Valencia

The Valencia Circuit, officially known as the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, is a compact, technical, and iconic racetrack located near Cheste, just west of Valencia, Spain. It’s a popular venue for motorcycle trackdays due to its MotoGP legacy, excellent facilities, and rider-friendly layout.

🏁 Track Overview

Length: 4.005 km (2.49 mi)
Turns: 14 (9 left, 5 right)
Main straight: 876 meters
Elevation change: Mild to moderate
Direction: Anti-clockwise (left-turn dominant)
Surface: Smooth, consistent, high grip

🏍️ Motorcycle Trackday Perspective

✅ What Makes Valencia Stand Out

Left-Turn Dominant
Most of the corners are left-handers, which can unbalance tire wear if you’re on multiple days or riding hard. This also challenges riders who are more comfortable turning right.
Compact & Technical
Valencia is a tight and twisty circuit, rewarding precision over top speed. It’s ideal for learning smooth lines, body positioning, and throttle control. You’re almost always leaned over.
MotoGP-Caliber Layout
Despite being tight, it’s a world-class circuit that hosts the MotoGP season finale. Runoff areas, kerbs, and safety standards are top notch.
Great Facilities
The paddock, garages, pit lane, medical, and tire support are all excellent. There’s often trackday support from brands like Dunlop, Pirelli, and Metzeler.
Weather
Located in eastern Spain, it enjoys mild winters and dry, sunny conditions much of the year—perfect for off-season riding (October–April).

⚠️ Challenges

Low average speed: You rarely get to full throttle for long, so it’s physically demanding—you’re working hard most of the lap.
Corner-heavy layout: The bike spends more time leaned over than upright. This stresses the left side of tires, especially on 1000cc bikes.
Blind apexes and double-apex corners: Many turns are complex and require experience to optimize.

🔑 Key Corners for Riders

Turn 1 (Doohan corner)
Hard braking into a left-hander. A great passing opportunity, but tight.
Turn 2–3
Fast flick-flack left-right. Good body transition test.
Turn 5 (Interior hairpin)
Tight and slow. Test of throttle patience and braking stability.
Turn 8–9
A flowing section leading to a short burst on the throttle. Key for rhythm.
Turn 13–14 (Final sector)
Two important lefts leading to the main straight. You want to be early on the gas for a good run, especially on big bikes.

🔧 Setup & Riding Tips

Tire wear: Keep an eye on the left side of your tires. Use warmers and adjust pressures for even wear.
Suspension: Set up for agility and braking stability. Fast changes of direction and trail braking are frequent.
Gearing: Valencia rewards shorter gearing for drive out of corners, especially on 600s or street triples.

🧭 Logistics

Closest Airport: Valencia (VLC) ~20 mins away
Trackday Providers: Bike Promotion, Trackdays.es, Art Motor, and No Limits often run multi-day events here
Nearby Accommodation: Hotels in Cheste (basic) or Valencia city (more options, ~25 min drive)
Garage Rental: Usually available with power, great for groups or solo riders with tire warmers