Moscow Raceway
Location
Sheludkovo, Volokolamsk District, Moscow Oblast, Russia
Current Local Time
Track Info
Moscow Raceway - Moscow Oblast, Russia
Modern permanent circuit near Volokolamsk - technical, compact and known for hosting DTM, World Superbikes and World Series by Renault
When was the track built?
Plans for Moscow Raceway became reality in 2008 when construction began near the villages of Sheludkovo and Fedyukovo, around 100 km west of central Moscow. Formula 1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke created the layout, with former F1 driver David Coulthard attending the ceremony marking the start of construction.
Work continued over several years before the main circuit, pit buildings and supporting facilities were completed in June 2012. The venue was designed for top-level international competition and later achieved FIA Grade 1 status.
When was its first race?
The first race weekend began on 14 July 2012 with World Series by Renault. Robin Frijns won the opening Formula Renault 3.5 race, while Daniil Kvyat won both Formula Renault 2.0 races during the weekend.
The official opening followed on 15 July, and around 85,000 spectators attended across the two days. World Superbikes and the FIA GT1 World Championship then arrived later in the circuit's first season.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical first sector: The opening part of the lap contains several slower corners where accurate braking and traction are more important than outright speed.
- Long back straight: At roughly 870 metres, it gives powerful cars a chance to stretch their legs and creates an important overtaking opportunity under braking.
- More elevation than expected: Moscow Raceway is not completely flat. Small climbs, drops and changing corner radii make the racing line harder to learn than the circuit map suggests.
The track is between approximately 12 and 21 metres wide, giving drivers room to use different lines. Its many alternative configurations also allow shorter layouts to be used for different categories.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula Renault 3.5: 1:20.025 - Stoffel Vandoorne, 2013.
- DTM Sprint Circuit: 0:58.999 - Adrien Tambay, Audi RS5 DTM, 2013.
- WTCC qualifying: 1:37.900 - Yvan Muller, Citroen C-Elysee, 2015.
- WTCC race lap: 1:40.148 - Jose Maria Lopez, Citroen C-Elysee, 2014.
- Motorcycle: 1:34.175 - Vladimir Leonov, 2026.
Moscow Raceway has many different configurations, so lap times should only be compared when they were set on the same layout. The DTM benchmark, for example, comes from the much shorter Sprint circuit.
Why go?
Moscow Raceway has hosted an unusually wide variety of major championships. DTM, World Superbikes, WTCC, FIA GT racing and World Series by Renault all competed here, bringing drivers and riders who later became some of motorsport's biggest names.
Today the circuit remains active with endurance racing, touring cars, motorcycles, drifting and track days. Its modern facilities and relatively compact layout also make it easier for newcomers to follow a race than at some much larger circuits.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main grandstand: The easiest option for first-time visitors, with the starting grid, pit lane, race starts and finishes directly in front of you.
- End of the back straight: Where spectator access allows, this is one of the best areas for seeing high speeds followed by heavy braking and overtaking attempts.
- Technical opening section: A good place to watch differences in driving style, as competitors work through several slower corners in quick succession.
Moscow Raceway can use different configurations for different championships, so the best spectator position can change depending on the event.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Moscow Raceway (Moscow)
Moscow Raceway is well outside central Moscow. Driving is the simplest option, but you can also take a suburban train to Chismena and complete the short final journey by taxi or an event shuttle.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Moscow Raceway. The circuit is in Moscow Oblast rather than Moscow city itself, so expect a fairly long journey even though the venue carries the Moscow name.
If you do not want to drive, the easiest public transport option is usually a suburban train to Chismena, followed by a short taxi ride to the circuit.
Tip: Check the event information before travelling. Some major race weekends include special transfers between Chismena station and the circuit.
Train & public transport
- Train: travel from Moscow on the Volokolamsk direction and get off at Chismena station.
- Chismena → circuit: the final taxi journey takes around 7 minutes.
- Total journey: Moscow Raceway estimates approximately 2 hours 10 minutes when travelling by public transport.
- Event shuttles: free transfers between Chismena station and the circuit are provided for some competitions, but they do not run for every event.
Driving & parking
- From Moscow: use either the Novorizhskoye highway (M9) or the Volokolamsk highway heading west out of the city.
- Finding the circuit: at approximately the 95 km point, follow the sign for the race circuit.
- Journey time: allow around 1 hour 40 minutes from Moscow, plus extra time for city traffic and busy event entrances.
- Parking: large free car parks are available near the circuit approaches.
For large events, follow the event signs and marshals rather than relying only on your navigation app when you reach the circuit.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Moscow: a taxi or private transfer is possible, but the journey is long compared with a normal city taxi trip.
- From Chismena: a taxi is much more practical, with the circuit only a short drive from the station.
- Going home: consider arranging your return journey before the racing finishes, particularly after smaller events when fewer taxis may be nearby.
Accessibility
- Accessible parking: event organisers may provide parking inside the circuit for visitors with reduced mobility. Arrangements depend on the individual event.
- Main building: a lift provides access within the main building.
- Grandstands: the circuit states that its grandstands do not have lifts.
- Wheelchairs and pushchairs: visitors who cannot use the pedestrian tunnel can access the paddock through the vehicle tunnel behind Grandstand 2.
Contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling if you need accessible parking or assistance.
Event-day tips
- Leave Moscow early: traffic leaving the city can add considerably to the journey.
- Check for a shuttle: if travelling by train, see whether your event provides a free Chismena station transfer.
- Plan the return: train times and event shuttle schedules may determine when you need to leave the circuit.
- Dress for the weather: Moscow Raceway is an outdoor venue away from the city centre, so bring suitable clothing, sun protection or rain protection for the forecast.
Travel times, parking arrangements and event shuttle services can change. Check the official Moscow Raceway event information shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Moscow Raceway (Moscow Region, Russia)
Moscow Raceway sits among forests and countryside west of the Russian capital, near Volokolamsk. Whether you’re visiting for touring cars, endurance racing, drifting, motorcycles or a track day, historic towns, museums, monasteries and lakes make it easy to add more to your motorsport weekend.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- New Jerusalem Museum: One of the region’s largest museums combines art, history and changing exhibitions. Its interactive Exponarium children’s centre is especially useful for families.
- Volokolamsk Kremlin: Explore the historic centre of one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region, with cathedral architecture and a local museum overlooking the surrounding town.
- Farm M2: This organic farm in the Volokolamsk area offers a countryside alternative to the racetrack, with farm experiences and locally produced food. Check tour availability before travelling.
History & rainy-day stops
- New Jerusalem Museum: A strong rainy-day choice with permanent displays covering the history and culture of the region alongside major temporary art exhibitions.
- New Jerusalem Monastery: Founded in the 17th century by Patriarch Nikon, the remarkable monastery complex was designed to recreate important Christian sites associated with Jerusalem.
- Panfilov Heroes Museum: Near Volokolamsk, the museum and nearby memorial explore the area's Second World War history. Check which exhibitions are open before visiting.
Eat & drink after the racing
- At Moscow Raceway: The circuit has cafés and food facilities around its spectator and paddock areas, although what is open depends on the event.
- Volokolamsk: Head into town for cafés, bakeries, supermarkets and casual Russian restaurants if you want more choice after the circuit closes.
- Istra: If you are sightseeing around New Jerusalem, the town offers an easy place to combine lunch or dinner with your museum and monastery visit.
Get outdoors around the circuit
- Ruza Reservoir: Head south for lakeside scenery, fishing and quiet countryside. Some sections are fairly undeveloped, so choose an established recreation area if you want facilities.
- Western Moscow Region: The landscape around Volokolamsk is dominated by forests, fields and small villages, making a country drive a simple contrast to a full day beside the track.
- Istra countryside: Combine a visit to New Jerusalem with a walk beside the Istra River or time exploring the greener areas surrounding the town.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Istra: The easiest cultural extension combines the New Jerusalem Monastery and neighbouring museum. Allow at least half a day if you want to see both without rushing.
- Zvenigorod: Explore another historic Moscow-region town, including the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and surrounding countryside.
- Moscow: If this is your first visit to the region, add separate days for the capital rather than attempting city sightseeing between track sessions. The circuit is too far from central Moscow for quick trips.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the configuration: Moscow Raceway has numerous layouts. The 3.955 km Grand Prix course is only one of several versions used for competition and track days.
- The circuit is still busy: The 2026 programme includes Russian circuit racing, endurance events, RDS GP drifting and frequent car and motorcycle track sessions.
- Public transport takes longer: The circuit lists Chismena as its nearest railway station and estimates a journey from Moscow by public transport at a little over two hours.
- Prepare for changing weather: Conditions can shift quickly between warm sunshine, rain and cool evenings. A waterproof layer and comfortable shoes are useful even during summer events.
Race schedules, track configurations, spectator access, transport services and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before you travel.