Formula One is awesome! No matter how much criticism it faces about not being a ‘sport’, all of us motorsport fans love it. One of the most important part of any motorsport race is the racetrack. There are many parts of a racetrack; straights, hairpins, corners and chicanes. All of them come together to form the perfect track. Each individual has their own favourites and in the same way I too have some. Today, I am going to share my five favourite racetracks and why I love them.
Hockenheim, Germany
The Hockenheim circuit is an edited version of the legendary Hockenheimering which was a fast-paced track full of straights. The newer version of the track is relatively shorter but is still a great track to drive on. It is full of quick corners and short straights. The 4.5 kilometer long track is a feast for the drivers. I like quick tracks with relatively faster corners and well, this one just fits the criteria.
Hockenheim, Germany
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada
This track contains swift turns and some straights which is challenging for the brakes. Since the kerbs are used very often in this track, tyre wear is another test but the toughest one is the concentration of the driver. The circuit is a little narrow and any error here can punish you. The track is located on an island and provides a lot of scenic beauty to the fans. I like it as it is quick and once the driver gets a hold of this track, it can be the most enjoyable racetrack in the world. This circuit has hosted a lot of memorable races and is also home to the wall of champions and a lot of seagulls.
Circuit Gilles VIlleneuve
Spa Francochamps, Belgium
Spa Francochamps is the one of the most legendary circuits in motorsport if not the most. It is a 7 kilometer long track located in the forests. It features two of the most iconic corners in motorsport, namely Eau Rouge and La Source. This track consists of a few places where one has to climb uphill and some where one has to descend which makes it fun for the driver. This track may not be the most glamorous but is surely the most loved. The reason why I love this track is the unique challenges that each corner offers. Every corner except for the bus-stop chicane is very quick and different from each other. One such example is the multi-apex Turn 12 which is similar to Istanbul Park’s tricky Turn 8.
Spa Francochamps, Belgium
Circuit Of The Americas, Austin, USA
This is by far the best of all racing tracks in the USA which is a tough reputation to earn. The track is located in the hot state of Texas and can be identified from a distance thanks to its iconic tower. The Circuit Of The Americas is a 5.5 kilometer long track which features a lot of elevation change with the major one coming on Turn 1. It mostly has swift corners and in some the kerbs can be a helping hand. Also, there are a few overtaking spots like the main and the Grandstand straight. The reason that I like this track is the tricky stretch of right handers. It is one of the major hurdles in posing a good lap in this circuit. Although it is very challenging, this circuit is appreciated by most of the drivers in the paddock. The track definitely is a treat for the fans and the drivers.
Circuit Of The Americas, USA
Yas Marina, Abu Dhabhi, UAE
This one is my personal favourite. The Yas Marina Circuit is located on the Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and there are a lot of attractions surrounding the track including the world-famous Ferrari World. The track is used in various motorsort events. It also has a karting track in its premises. The circuit is a mixture of fast and slow corners and offers a unique challenge to the drivers. It also features a very long straight in sector two which is the main opportunity for overtaking. The Yas Marina also has slight elevation changes which make the track even more fun to drive on. This race is also very glamorous as it is set under the sinking sun. Also, in the third sector the track goes under the beautiful Yas Viceroy hotel. The reason why I love this circuit is the transition of pace around the 5.5 kilometer long track.
Yas Marina Circuit, UAE
What are your 5 favourite racetracks? Comment below and let me know.
Note: The tracks are arranged in a random order.
Image Credit: f1fanatic.co.uk
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