Circuito de Navarra
Location
Los Arcos, Navarre, Spain
Current Local Time
Track Info
Circuito de Navarra - Los Arcos, Spain
Modern permanent circuit in northern Spain - known for flowing corners, changing elevation and major car and motorcycle events
When was the track built?
Circuito de Navarra was constructed near Los Arcos during 2009 and opened for motorsport in June 2010. The original main course measured approximately 3.9 km and was supported by permanent pits, hospitality rooms and a large paddock.
The venue soon attracted international GT racing, European racing trucks and major Spanish championships. It also hosted a round of the World Superbike Championship in 2021.
How has the circuit changed?
MotorSport Vision took over the venue in November 2022 and completed its largest redevelopment during 2024. The first phase resurfaced several areas and changed Turn 6 from a slow corner into a faster continuation of Turn 5.
The second phase added a new 650 m section containing a straight, a banked hairpin, flowing corners and greater elevation changes. This increased the full lap to 4.313 km.
What's the circuit like?
- Varied opening sector: Fast bends are mixed with braking zones where drivers can attempt overtakes.
- Banked hairpin: The new section allows different racing lines, helping competitors remain close through the corner.
- Changing elevation: Crests and dips affect visibility, grip and the balance of the vehicle.
- Technical final corners: Drivers must position the car carefully before accelerating onto the main straight.
What races here?
- Spanish Superbikes: ESBK brings powerful motorcycles, Supersport machines and junior development classes.
- GT and endurance racing: Ferrari Challenge cars, GT machinery and multi-driver teams compete in sprint and longer-distance events.
- Single-seaters: Formula 4 and GB3 cars use the circuit for racing and testing.
- Historic racing: Classic touring cars, sports cars and single-seaters appear during dedicated festival weekends.
- Track days: Organised sessions allow amateur car drivers and motorcycle riders to experience the circuit.
Lap records and benchmarks
- GB3 test benchmark: 1:38.480 - Joseph Loake in a Tatuus MSV GB3-025, December 2025.
- British Superbike test: 1:44.527 - Glenn Irwin on a Ducati V4 R, April 2025.
- Ferrari Challenge: 1:45.313 - Gilbert Yates in a Ferrari 296 Challenge, April 2025.
- Formula 4: 1:45.831 - Thomas Strauven in a Tatuus F4 T-421, May 2025.
These times use the circuit introduced in 2024. Records from the former 3.9 km layout, including the 2021 World Superbike event, are not directly comparable.
Why go?
Navarra offers modern facilities without the enormous crowds of a Formula One venue. Its relatively open landscape provides broad views, while the mixed calendar makes it possible to see cars, motorcycles or historic machinery.
The circuit is also close to the vineyards and towns of Navarra and La Rioja, making it practical to combine a race meeting with a longer regional visit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Pit-building terrace: Best for starts, finishes, pit activity and wide views over the circuit.
- Turn 1 area: Good for opening-lap battles and overtaking under braking.
- New banked hairpin: Watch competitors use different lines through one of the redesigned circuit's main features.
- Turns 11 to 14: Best for seeing the elevation changes and fast direction changes added in 2024.
- Paddock: Useful for viewing the vehicles and teams between sessions when access is included.
Circuito de Navarra is near Los Arcos, between Pamplona and Logroño. Driving is normally the simplest way to reach the rural venue. Entrances, viewing areas, parking and paddock access vary between events, so check the latest organiser information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuito de Navarra (Spain)
Circuito de Navarra is near Los Arcos in northern Spain, between Logroño and Pamplona. Driving is the easiest way to visit: the circuit is directly beside the A-12 motorway. Public transport can get you to Los Arcos, but you will need a taxi or arranged lift for the final journey.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest option because Circuito de Navarra is immediately beside the A-12 motorway, which connects Pamplona with Logroño.
- From Pamplona: follow the A-12 west towards Logroño and leave at Junction 58.
- From Logroño: take the A-12 east towards Pamplona and use Junction 58.
- From Bilbao: allow less than two hours in normal conditions.
- Navigation: search for “Circuito de Navarra” rather than simply entering Los Arcos.
The final approach is well away from busy city streets, but queues can form near the entrance during major race weekends.
Train & bus
Visiting without a car is possible, although there is no railway station or regular public transport directly at the circuit.
- Logroño: the closest major city and useful for both trains and long-distance buses.
- Los Arcos: regional and intercity buses serve the town on selected routes between Navarra and La Rioja.
- From Los Arcos: the circuit is only around a five-minute drive away, so a taxi or arranged lift is the easiest final connection.
- Return journey: arrange transport before the event rather than assuming taxis will be waiting after racing finishes.
Public transport timetables in this rural area can be limited, especially at weekends, so check the exact service for your race date.
Flying in
Several airports can work for Circuito de Navarra, depending on where you are flying from.
- Pamplona Airport: approximately 45 minutes from the circuit and useful for domestic connections.
- Bilbao Airport: the circuit identifies Bilbao as the nearest major international airport.
- Zaragoza Airport: another option to the south-east.
- Biarritz Airport: useful for some international routes and located across the border in France.
For international visitors, Bilbao plus a rental car is usually the simplest combination if there is no convenient flight to Pamplona.
Parking & camping
Circuito de Navarra is well set up for visitors arriving by road, with parking and camping close to the main facilities.
- General parking: free in the main public car park.
- Location: the public car park is close to the main entrance, paddock and campsite.
- Major events: some spectator parking is on grass or field surfaces, so suitable footwear is useful.
- Camping: the circuit has two dedicated camping areas, with arrangements depending on the event.
Follow signs and marshals when you arrive because parking areas can change according to the size of the meeting.
Where to stay
Los Arcos is the closest place to stay, while Logroño offers far more hotels, restaurants and transport connections.
- Los Arcos: roughly five minutes from the circuit and ideal if racing is the main purpose of your trip.
- Logroño: around 28 km away and a good choice for restaurants, nightlife and rail connections.
- Pamplona: farther away but useful if you are flying into Pamplona Airport or combining the race with sightseeing.
Understanding the circuit
Circuito de Navarra is a modern multi-purpose motorsport complex that underwent a major redevelopment in 2024.
- Main circuit: 4.313 km long.
- Turns: 17, with six left-hand and eleven right-hand corners.
- 2024 extension: a new 650-metre section added several completely new corners.
- Other facilities: the complex also includes karting, drifting, skid-pan and off-road areas.
Older track maps may show the shorter pre-2024 layout, so use the current circuit map when planning where to watch.
Race-day tips
- Drive if possible: it is considerably easier than arranging the final rural public-transport connection.
- Arrive early: popular motorcycle and car events can create queues near Junction 58.
- Prepare for the sun: Navarra can become very hot and exposed during summer.
- Wear suitable shoes: major-event parking can be on grass or field surfaces.
- Bring hearing protection: especially for children and spectators near the main straight.
- Save the address: Calle Malvasia 5, 31210 Los Arcos, Navarra, Spain.
For a first visit, staying in Los Arcos or Logroño and driving to the circuit is the simplest plan. Without a car, travel to Los Arcos and arrange the final taxi or lift before race day.
Parking areas, camping, bus services and spectator entrances can change between events. Check the official Circuito de Navarra information and your individual event guide before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuito de Navarra (Los Arcos, Spain)
Circuito de Navarra is a modern racing complex surrounded by the open countryside of western Navarra. Cars, motorcycles, trucks and karts all compete here, while medieval towns, the Way of St James, vineyards, reservoirs and the historic city of Estella-Lizarra make it easy to build a longer trip around a race weekend.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Circuito de Navarra Karting: The venue has its own 731-metre outdoor kart circuit with arrive-and-drive sessions on selected days - an easy way to get on track yourself.
- Estella-Lizarra: Explore a compact medieval town filled with bridges, churches and pedestrian streets shaped by centuries of pilgrims travelling the Way of St James.
- Alloz Reservoir: A turquoise reservoir offering seasonal swimming and activities such as paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing and pedal boats.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Church of Santa María, Los Arcos: A major stop on the Way of St James with architecture developed over several centuries and an especially striking historic interior.
- Palace of the Monarchs of Navarre: This rare Romanesque civil building in Estella now houses the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum.
- Monastery of Iratxe: A historic monastery surrounded by vineyards near Estella, beside one of the best-known sections of the Camino de Santiago.
Eat & drink around the circuit
- Los Arcos: The nearest town is the practical choice for cafés, bars and simple meals without travelling far from the circuit.
- Estella-Lizarra: Head here for a wider choice of restaurants and dishes such as roast suckling pig, lamb chilindrón and cod ajoarriero.
- Try piquillo peppers: These small sweet red peppers are one of Navarra's best-known local products.
- Navarra wine: Vineyards surround much of the region, with D.O. Navarra wines providing an easy addition to a meal. Arrange a non-drinking driver if visiting wineries.
Get outdoors between race days
- Way of St James: Los Arcos sits directly on the Camino Francés, so even non-pilgrims can walk a short section of one of Europe's most famous long-distance routes.
- Alloz Reservoir: Spend a warm day on or beside the water, with activities ranging from swimming to windsurfing.
- Urederra River Source: Follow a forest trail past clear turquoise pools and cascades in the Urbasa-Andía area.
Access to the Urederra reserve is limited each day and advance booking is required. The walking route is around 6.2 km return.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Estella-Lizarra: The easiest cultural extension, with Romanesque architecture, the River Ega, museums and a lively Camino atmosphere.
- Logroño: Cross into neighbouring La Rioja for historic streets, tapas-style pintxos and one of Spain's most famous wine regions.
- Pamplona: Explore the old city walls, Plaza del Castillo, cathedral and streets famous for the San Fermín bull run.
- Urederra & Urbasa: Allow most of a day for the nature reserve and surrounding mountain countryside rather than trying to squeeze it between track sessions.
Good to know during race weekends
- The circuit changed significantly in 2024: Older videos and track maps may show the shorter pre-redevelopment layout, so use current circuit information when planning your visit.
- There are three circuit configurations: The Main, Medium and Short layouts allow the venue to host different types of activity, and the shorter circuits can even operate independently at the same time.
- Check the exact event: Superbikes, trucks, Formula 4 and historic endurance racing have different timetables, ticketing and spectator arrangements.
- Driving is the easiest option: The surrounding attractions are spread across rural Navarra, so having a car gives you much more flexibility.
- Bring hearing protection: Racing cars, motorcycles and trucks are extremely loud from close spectator areas, particularly for children.
Race schedules, circuit layouts, kart availability, spectator access, attraction opening hours and outdoor conditions can change - check current information before travelling.