Circuit Ricardo Tormo (Valencia)
Location:
Cheste, Valencia region, Spain
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Circuit Ricardo Tormo (Valencia)
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Valencia Grand Prix
Moto-3
19 - 22 Nov
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Valencia Grand Prix
Moto-2
20 - 29 Nov
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Valencia Grand Prix
MotoGP
20 - 22 Nov
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Track Info
Circuit Ricardo Tormo (Valencia) - Cheste, Valencian Community, Spain
Stadium-style Grand Prix venue - counter-clockwise - 4.005 km, 14 turns with 9 lefts and 5 rights, 876 m main straight and constant crowd energy
When was the track built?
Breaking ground in 1998, the circuit opened in 1999 as a modern, self-contained amphitheatre with grandstands circling most of the lap. The bowl layout packs fans close and keeps noise and atmosphere inside the venue. Over the years it has added prestige events across two and four wheels, becoming Spain’s classic season finale for MotoGP.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race season was 1999, headlined by the inaugural Valencian Community Motorcycle Grand Prix. Since then it has hosted world championships virtually every year and has often been MotoGP’s title-deciding weekend.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical, tyre-sensitive lap: Short straights and constant cornering load favor smooth inputs and rear-tyre management. Valencia rewards minimum speed and tidy rotation more than brute power.
- Signature sequence: The fast left of Curva Champi Herreros funnels into the tight final hairpin, setting up last-lap lunges before the sprint along the pit straight.
- Counter-clockwise bias: With 9 lefts to 5 rights, asymmetric wear is a factor across long stints. Specs: total length 4.005 km, longest straight 876 m.
- Benchmark pace: MotoGP all-time 1:28.931 and race-lap 1:30.145 underline the bike ceiling; GP2’s 1:21.244 shows single-seater speed on slicks and wings.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- MotoGP - all-time lap: 1:28.931 - Maverick Viñales, Aprilia, 2023. Race lap: 1:30.145 - Brad Binder, KTM, 2023.
- GP2 - race lap: 1:21.244 - Andreas Zuber, 2006.
- LMP1 - race lap: 1:25.234 - Stéphane Sarrazin, Peugeot 908, 2007.
- DTM - race lap: 1:27.116 - Bruno Spengler, BMW M3 DTM, 2012.
Why go?
The stadium design means you can see a huge chunk of the lap from almost anywhere, and the end-of-season vibe is unbeatable. Valencia weekends bring stacked support cards, open paddocks and a city that turns race week into a festival. With MotoGP renewed through 2031, it’s a safe bet for your travel calendar.
Where's the best place to watch?
- T1 grandstands: Starts and out-braking after the 876 m run - great for photos.
- Final hairpin and pit straight: Classic last-lap divebombs and the dash to the flag with podium views.
- Back-stadium complex: Multiple corners in sightlines at once thanks to the bowl layout - perfect for soaking up the atmosphere.
Not just MotoGP: headline events at Valencia
GT World Challenge Europe: Sprint Cup rounds bring dense GT3 fields and plenty of traffic management.
TCR World Tour and NASCAR Euro Series: Touring car elbows and stock-car bump-drafts suit the stop-and-go sections.
Formula E (2021) and FIA Motorsport Games (2024): Alternative layouts showcased the venue’s adaptability beyond its standard GP course.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit Ricardo Tormo - Cheste, Valencia
Best options are train to Chiva - Cheste area with event shuttles, free MotoGP shuttles from Cheste town and outer car parks, and driving via A-3 Exit 334 to signed car parks. The circuit sits just west of Valencia near Cheste.
Public transport - rail then shuttle is the easiest
- Train: Use Cercanías C3 from València-Nord toward the Chiva - Cheste area. On major events, rail is the recommended choice with shuttle - short walk links to the gates.
- City - interurban buses: Services operate in the corridor west of Valencia and into Cheste. Operators and journey planners list options to stops near the circuit area.
- Race weekend shuttles: Free shuttles run from Cheste and selected car parks directly to the north side of the venue.
Expect queues after the main race when using rail and shuttles - plan extra time.
Driving - straightforward via A-3 Exit 334
- From Valencia: Leave via Avenida del Cid → A-3 Madrid for ~20 km, take Exit 334 signed Urbanizaciones - Circuito and follow event signage.
- From other directions: Approach on A-3 and exit at 334 to the circuit access roads.
- Traffic notes: Peak MotoGP crowds trigger managed contraflows and filtered access - follow police - marshal directions.
Parking - free official lots with signed walks
- General parking: Free car and motorcycle lots open around the perimeter. You may need to walk from your P zone to the entrance.
- Types - locations: Circuit plans show areas for unaccredited vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and a taxi zone. Check the current event map.
- Shuttle drop: North corner car park near Camino junction with CV-3845 is a typical set down - pick up point.
Event shuttles - what to expect
- Cheste ⇄ Circuit: Free shuttles connect the town and outer car parks with circuit entrances - frequent before and after sessions.
- After the race: Allow extra time for queues back to Cheste and onward trains.
Taxis and rideshare
- Set destination: Circuit Ricardo Tormo - A-3 Salida 334 - Cheste. Event staff direct drop off - pick up to active gates and the taxi zone.
- From Valencia city or VLC airport: Typical road time 20 - 30 minutes subject to traffic.
Walking from shuttles and car parks
- From north car park shuttle set down: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks to entrances depending on your stand.
- From outer P zones: Allow extra time - internal shuttles may operate on headline events to reduce walking distances.
Accessibility - designated parking and taxi zone
- PMR arrangements: The circuit access plan includes reserved parking areas, a taxi zone and defined accessible routes to grandstands. Check your event’s accessibility map before travel.
Airports and longer trips
- Valencia VLC → circuit: quickest by car or taxi via A-3 toward Madrid to Exit 334.
- Rail - onward: Long distance trains to València-Nord connect with Cercanías C3 for the final hop to the Chiva - Cheste area.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Rail users: take C3 Cercanías toward Cheste - use free shuttles or short walks to the gates.
- Drivers: follow A-3 Exit 334 signs and park in free official lots - expect a walk.
- Shuttle tip: the north car park by Camino - CV-3845 is a common drop zone for free buses on race weekend.
Always follow the gate and lot printed on your e-ticket and check your event page for current shuttle timetables, parking maps and any temporary traffic plans.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit Ricardo Tormo - Cheste - Valencia (Spain)
Whether you are here for the MotoGP season finale, WorldSBK, FIM JuniorGP, GT - touring cars, Formula E pre season tests, trackdays or experiences, the bowl shaped circuit sits minutes from Valencia city, beaches and protected wetlands - perfect for family time, culture days and sunset paella when the track is quiet.
Family friendly highlights on site and nearby
- Kartódromo next door - Cheste: Arrive and drive karting for adults and juniors on selected non event days. Book ahead on race weeks.
- City of Arts and Sciences - Valencia: Oceanogràfic aquarium, Science Museum and Hemisfèric dome make a full day under striking architecture.
- Bioparc Valencia: Excellent zoo with naturalistic habitats and shady paths - a top choice for mixed ages.
- Jardín del Turia: 9 km of gardens in a former riverbed with playgrounds, bike lanes and the giant Gulliver slide park.
- Beaches - Malvarrosa and Patacona: Wide, sandy and shallow with boardwalks, playgrounds and beach clubs.
- Albufera boat rides - El Palmar: Short traditional boat trips through the lagoon with paella restaurants steps away.
Aquarium and science museum often use dated tickets on weekends and holidays. Early slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- La Lonja de la Seda and Central Market: UNESCO listed Gothic exchange hall paired with one of Europe’s great food markets.
- Valencia Cathedral - El Miguelete tower: Historic core views after a short climb. Pair with the nearby Silk Museum.
- IVAM and MuVIM: Contemporary art and visual culture museums for an easy indoor circuit.
- Barrio del Carmen and Ruzafa: Street art, boutiques and cafés for a relaxed city wander between showers.
- Sagunto Castle and Roman theater: A coastal ridge fortress for a weather proof heritage half day north of the city.
Eat and drink like a local
- Paella Valenciana: The classic rabbit and chicken version shines in El Palmar and El Saler near Albufera. Order for lunch - rice is a midday tradition.
- Tapas in Ruzafa - El Carmen: Modern bistros and traditional bars for post session dinners.
- Horchata in Alboraya: Pair the chilled tiger nut drink with fartons pastries for an afternoon pick me up.
- Beachfront dinners - Malvarrosa: Grilled sardines, clóchinas mussels in season and arroz a banda with sea breeze views.
- Wine detours: Requena - Utiel reds and cavas are local favorites. Designate a driver if tasting.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday prime tables on the beachfront and in El Palmar book out on headline weekends - reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Albufera Natural Park: Boardwalks, bird hides and flat paths among rice fields. Best near sunrise or sunset.
- Turia cycleway: Rent bikes for a flat spin through the green corridor from the City of Arts and Sciences toward the old town.
- El Saler dunes and pine woods: Shaded loops behind the beach for a cool break on hot days.
- Sierra Calderona viewpoints: Short ridge walks and castle ruins above the orange groves if you want hills and breezes.
- SUP - sailing lessons: Calm morning water on city beaches suits beginners and families.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Valencia city core - 25 to 35 minutes. Cathedral, Central Market, Silk Exchange and Turia gardens - an easy full day.
- Albufera and El Palmar - 30 to 40 minutes. Lagoon boat rides and paella at source.
- Sagunto - 35 to 50 minutes. Castle ridge and Roman theater with sea views.
- Xàtiva - 45 to 65 minutes. Double hilltop castle and old town arcades.
- Requena - Utiel - 45 to 75 minutes. Historic wine cellars, tastings and vineyard lunches.
- Peñíscola - 90 to 120 minutes. Beach and castle on a rock peninsula if you add a coastal day north.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Museums, aquariums and castles often require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring to late autumn. MotoGP finale brings festival energy, fireworks and packed terraces. Hotels in Valencia, Cheste and the coast fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Mediterranean. Hot summers with sea breezes, mild winters and occasional showers. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell for quick changes.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences, karting and tours may pause or switch to special hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Stadium layout means long, exposed walks around the bowl. A small folding chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on hot days.
- City logistics: Valencia often runs evening pedestrian zones along the seafront in summer. Leave time for beachfront parking or use inland garages and stroll the promenade.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, swim kit for beach breaks and sturdy shoes for castle climbs on day trips.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, park access rules and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Cheste, Valencia region, Spain
Track Info
Circuit Ricardo Tormo (Valencia) - Cheste, Valencian Community, Spain
Stadium-style Grand Prix venue - counter-clockwise - 4.005 km, 14 turns with 9 lefts and 5 rights, 876 m main straight and constant crowd energy
When was the track built?
Breaking ground in 1998, the circuit opened in 1999 as a modern, self-contained amphitheatre with grandstands circling most of the lap. The bowl layout packs fans close and keeps noise and atmosphere inside the venue. Over the years it has added prestige events across two and four wheels, becoming Spain’s classic season finale for MotoGP.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race season was 1999, headlined by the inaugural Valencian Community Motorcycle Grand Prix. Since then it has hosted world championships virtually every year and has often been MotoGP’s title-deciding weekend.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical, tyre-sensitive lap: Short straights and constant cornering load favor smooth inputs and rear-tyre management. Valencia rewards minimum speed and tidy rotation more than brute power.
- Signature sequence: The fast left of Curva Champi Herreros funnels into the tight final hairpin, setting up last-lap lunges before the sprint along the pit straight.
- Counter-clockwise bias: With 9 lefts to 5 rights, asymmetric wear is a factor across long stints. Specs: total length 4.005 km, longest straight 876 m.
- Benchmark pace: MotoGP all-time 1:28.931 and race-lap 1:30.145 underline the bike ceiling; GP2’s 1:21.244 shows single-seater speed on slicks and wings.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- MotoGP - all-time lap: 1:28.931 - Maverick Viñales, Aprilia, 2023. Race lap: 1:30.145 - Brad Binder, KTM, 2023.
- GP2 - race lap: 1:21.244 - Andreas Zuber, 2006.
- LMP1 - race lap: 1:25.234 - Stéphane Sarrazin, Peugeot 908, 2007.
- DTM - race lap: 1:27.116 - Bruno Spengler, BMW M3 DTM, 2012.
Why go?
The stadium design means you can see a huge chunk of the lap from almost anywhere, and the end-of-season vibe is unbeatable. Valencia weekends bring stacked support cards, open paddocks and a city that turns race week into a festival. With MotoGP renewed through 2031, it’s a safe bet for your travel calendar.
Where's the best place to watch?
- T1 grandstands: Starts and out-braking after the 876 m run - great for photos.
- Final hairpin and pit straight: Classic last-lap divebombs and the dash to the flag with podium views.
- Back-stadium complex: Multiple corners in sightlines at once thanks to the bowl layout - perfect for soaking up the atmosphere.
Not just MotoGP: headline events at Valencia
GT World Challenge Europe: Sprint Cup rounds bring dense GT3 fields and plenty of traffic management.
TCR World Tour and NASCAR Euro Series: Touring car elbows and stock-car bump-drafts suit the stop-and-go sections.
Formula E (2021) and FIA Motorsport Games (2024): Alternative layouts showcased the venue’s adaptability beyond its standard GP course.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit Ricardo Tormo - Cheste, Valencia
Best options are train to Chiva - Cheste area with event shuttles, free MotoGP shuttles from Cheste town and outer car parks, and driving via A-3 Exit 334 to signed car parks. The circuit sits just west of Valencia near Cheste.
Public transport - rail then shuttle is the easiest
- Train: Use Cercanías C3 from València-Nord toward the Chiva - Cheste area. On major events, rail is the recommended choice with shuttle - short walk links to the gates.
- City - interurban buses: Services operate in the corridor west of Valencia and into Cheste. Operators and journey planners list options to stops near the circuit area.
- Race weekend shuttles: Free shuttles run from Cheste and selected car parks directly to the north side of the venue.
Expect queues after the main race when using rail and shuttles - plan extra time.
Driving - straightforward via A-3 Exit 334
- From Valencia: Leave via Avenida del Cid → A-3 Madrid for ~20 km, take Exit 334 signed Urbanizaciones - Circuito and follow event signage.
- From other directions: Approach on A-3 and exit at 334 to the circuit access roads.
- Traffic notes: Peak MotoGP crowds trigger managed contraflows and filtered access - follow police - marshal directions.
Parking - free official lots with signed walks
- General parking: Free car and motorcycle lots open around the perimeter. You may need to walk from your P zone to the entrance.
- Types - locations: Circuit plans show areas for unaccredited vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and a taxi zone. Check the current event map.
- Shuttle drop: North corner car park near Camino junction with CV-3845 is a typical set down - pick up point.
Event shuttles - what to expect
- Cheste ⇄ Circuit: Free shuttles connect the town and outer car parks with circuit entrances - frequent before and after sessions.
- After the race: Allow extra time for queues back to Cheste and onward trains.
Taxis and rideshare
- Set destination: Circuit Ricardo Tormo - A-3 Salida 334 - Cheste. Event staff direct drop off - pick up to active gates and the taxi zone.
- From Valencia city or VLC airport: Typical road time 20 - 30 minutes subject to traffic.
Walking from shuttles and car parks
- From north car park shuttle set down: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks to entrances depending on your stand.
- From outer P zones: Allow extra time - internal shuttles may operate on headline events to reduce walking distances.
Accessibility - designated parking and taxi zone
- PMR arrangements: The circuit access plan includes reserved parking areas, a taxi zone and defined accessible routes to grandstands. Check your event’s accessibility map before travel.
Airports and longer trips
- Valencia VLC → circuit: quickest by car or taxi via A-3 toward Madrid to Exit 334.
- Rail - onward: Long distance trains to València-Nord connect with Cercanías C3 for the final hop to the Chiva - Cheste area.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Rail users: take C3 Cercanías toward Cheste - use free shuttles or short walks to the gates.
- Drivers: follow A-3 Exit 334 signs and park in free official lots - expect a walk.
- Shuttle tip: the north car park by Camino - CV-3845 is a common drop zone for free buses on race weekend.
Always follow the gate and lot printed on your e-ticket and check your event page for current shuttle timetables, parking maps and any temporary traffic plans.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit Ricardo Tormo - Cheste - Valencia (Spain)
Whether you are here for the MotoGP season finale, WorldSBK, FIM JuniorGP, GT - touring cars, Formula E pre season tests, trackdays or experiences, the bowl shaped circuit sits minutes from Valencia city, beaches and protected wetlands - perfect for family time, culture days and sunset paella when the track is quiet.
Family friendly highlights on site and nearby
- Kartódromo next door - Cheste: Arrive and drive karting for adults and juniors on selected non event days. Book ahead on race weeks.
- City of Arts and Sciences - Valencia: Oceanogràfic aquarium, Science Museum and Hemisfèric dome make a full day under striking architecture.
- Bioparc Valencia: Excellent zoo with naturalistic habitats and shady paths - a top choice for mixed ages.
- Jardín del Turia: 9 km of gardens in a former riverbed with playgrounds, bike lanes and the giant Gulliver slide park.
- Beaches - Malvarrosa and Patacona: Wide, sandy and shallow with boardwalks, playgrounds and beach clubs.
- Albufera boat rides - El Palmar: Short traditional boat trips through the lagoon with paella restaurants steps away.
Aquarium and science museum often use dated tickets on weekends and holidays. Early slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- La Lonja de la Seda and Central Market: UNESCO listed Gothic exchange hall paired with one of Europe’s great food markets.
- Valencia Cathedral - El Miguelete tower: Historic core views after a short climb. Pair with the nearby Silk Museum.
- IVAM and MuVIM: Contemporary art and visual culture museums for an easy indoor circuit.
- Barrio del Carmen and Ruzafa: Street art, boutiques and cafés for a relaxed city wander between showers.
- Sagunto Castle and Roman theater: A coastal ridge fortress for a weather proof heritage half day north of the city.
Eat and drink like a local
- Paella Valenciana: The classic rabbit and chicken version shines in El Palmar and El Saler near Albufera. Order for lunch - rice is a midday tradition.
- Tapas in Ruzafa - El Carmen: Modern bistros and traditional bars for post session dinners.
- Horchata in Alboraya: Pair the chilled tiger nut drink with fartons pastries for an afternoon pick me up.
- Beachfront dinners - Malvarrosa: Grilled sardines, clóchinas mussels in season and arroz a banda with sea breeze views.
- Wine detours: Requena - Utiel reds and cavas are local favorites. Designate a driver if tasting.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday prime tables on the beachfront and in El Palmar book out on headline weekends - reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Albufera Natural Park: Boardwalks, bird hides and flat paths among rice fields. Best near sunrise or sunset.
- Turia cycleway: Rent bikes for a flat spin through the green corridor from the City of Arts and Sciences toward the old town.
- El Saler dunes and pine woods: Shaded loops behind the beach for a cool break on hot days.
- Sierra Calderona viewpoints: Short ridge walks and castle ruins above the orange groves if you want hills and breezes.
- SUP - sailing lessons: Calm morning water on city beaches suits beginners and families.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Valencia city core - 25 to 35 minutes. Cathedral, Central Market, Silk Exchange and Turia gardens - an easy full day.
- Albufera and El Palmar - 30 to 40 minutes. Lagoon boat rides and paella at source.
- Sagunto - 35 to 50 minutes. Castle ridge and Roman theater with sea views.
- Xàtiva - 45 to 65 minutes. Double hilltop castle and old town arcades.
- Requena - Utiel - 45 to 75 minutes. Historic wine cellars, tastings and vineyard lunches.
- Peñíscola - 90 to 120 minutes. Beach and castle on a rock peninsula if you add a coastal day north.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Museums, aquariums and castles often require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring to late autumn. MotoGP finale brings festival energy, fireworks and packed terraces. Hotels in Valencia, Cheste and the coast fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Mediterranean. Hot summers with sea breezes, mild winters and occasional showers. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell for quick changes.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences, karting and tours may pause or switch to special hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Stadium layout means long, exposed walks around the bowl. A small folding chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on hot days.
- City logistics: Valencia often runs evening pedestrian zones along the seafront in summer. Leave time for beachfront parking or use inland garages and stroll the promenade.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, swim kit for beach breaks and sturdy shoes for castle climbs on day trips.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, park access rules and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.