Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã
Location
Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Current Local Time
Track Info
Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã - Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Historic permanent circuit near Porto Alegre - anti-clockwise - short, extremely fast and known as Brazil's Temple of Speed
When was the track built?
The Automóvel Clube do Rio Grande do Sul began searching for land for a permanent circuit during the 1950s. A 50-hectare site at Vila Tarumã was purchased in 1960, but raising enough money to build the track took another decade.
Construction became more urgent after street racing was banned in Rio Grande do Sul following a serious accident during the 1968 12 Hours of Porto Alegre. Engineers and local racers completed the final 3.039 km design in 1970, with much of the project funded through support from the regional motorsport community.
When was its first race?
Tarumã officially opened on 8 November 1970. Jayme Silva became the circuit's first winner driving an Alfa Romeo-powered Fúria sports car.
International-level competition followed quickly. In 1971 Tarumã hosted Formula 2, with Carlos Reutemann winning ahead of Emerson Fittipaldi and Carlos Pace in a field that also included Graham Hill and Ronnie Peterson.
What's the circuit like?
- Very fast: Tarumã is officially described by the circuit as having the highest average speeds in Brazil. There are few slow sections to give drivers a break.
- Tala Larga: The famous downhill section demands commitment and accurate positioning. It is one of the corners most closely associated with Tarumã's fearsome reputation.
- Old-school flow: Several corners are approached at high speed, so carrying momentum matters. A small mistake can affect a large part of such a short lap.
Safety work carried out before Stock Car returned in 2023 enlarged and levelled run-off areas, improved barriers and rebuilt kerbs while preserving the traditional layout.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula 3 race lap: 0:56.822 - Rodrigo González, Dallara F309, 2012.
- Formula Renault 2.0 race lap: 1:00.955 - Vinicius Quadros, Tatuus FR2000, 2006.
- Stock Car qualifying: 1:01.800 - Daniel Serra, Chevrolet Sonic, 2013.
- Formula 2: 1:02.710 - Carlos Pace, March 712M, 1971.
- Stock Series race lap: 1:07.074 - Zezinho Muggiati, Chevrolet Cruze, 2023.
Qualifying and race laps are different benchmarks, and some championships have occasionally used modified configurations, so times should only be compared carefully.
Why is Tarumã famous?
Tarumã holds a special place in Brazilian touring-car history because the very first Stock Car race was held here on 22 April 1979. Affonso Giaffone Júnior won in a Chevrolet Opala.
The circuit is also home to the 12 Hours of Tarumã, one of Brazil's longest-running endurance traditions. The race begins around midnight, creating one of the country's most distinctive motorsport events.
Why go?
Tarumã offers an old-school racing experience close to Porto Alegre. The circuit hosts regional touring cars, classic racing, endurance events and the popular Racha Tarumã drag meetings as well as occasional national championships.
Its short lap also means spectators see the cars frequently, while the high average speeds make even relatively modest racing categories look dramatic.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Curva 1: A great place to appreciate how much speed competitors carry into the opening part of the lap.
- Tala Larga: The essential Tarumã viewing experience, combining downhill speed, commitment and one of the circuit's most famous corners.
- Curva 9 and main straight: Useful for watching cars prepare their final-corner exit before accelerating past the pits and starting another lap.
Spectator areas vary between endurance, touring-car and club events, so follow the event map and circuit signage when choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã (Viamão)
Tarumã is around 30 km from central Porto Alegre in Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. Driving, taxi or ride-hailing is the easiest option, although local buses also stop within walking distance of the circuit.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving, taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service is the easiest way to reach Tarumã. The circuit is outside central Porto Alegre but still within the wider metropolitan area, making it much easier to reach than many remote Brazilian circuits.
If you are staying in Porto Alegre without a car, public buses are possible, although a taxi or ride-hailing vehicle will normally give you a simpler door-to-door journey.
Tip: Search for the full name “Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã” in your navigation app rather than simply entering Tarumã.
Driving & parking
- From Porto Alegre: head east towards Viamão and follow navigation towards the Tarumã area.
- Main access: the circuit is on Estrada Capitão Gentil Machado de Godoy, with access also possible from the RS-118 area.
- Full address: Estrada Capitão Gentil Machado de Godoy, 5905, Tarumã, Viamão, RS.
- Parking: on-site areas are used during events, but the entrance, price and parking location may change from one meeting to another.
- Large events: allow additional time for queues on the roads immediately around the circuit.
Follow temporary event signs and staff directions when you arrive rather than relying only on your normal navigation route.
Bus & public transport
Tarumã is unusual among many permanent circuits because regular public buses can get you reasonably close to the entrance.
- Closest stop: Gentil Machado de Godoy – Autódromo de Tarumã is roughly a 9-minute walk away.
- Nearby services: current journey planners list routes including L167 Vila Elza / Aparecida and TM3 Transversal Metropolitana 3.
- From Porto Alegre: expect a longer journey than travelling by car because metropolitan buses make multiple stops.
- Return journey: check the last suitable bus before entering the circuit, especially for evening events.
Bus routes and timetables can change, so check a current journey-planning app on the day you travel.
Taxi & ride-hailing
- From Porto Alegre: taxi or ride-hailing is a straightforward alternative if you do not want to hire a car.
- From Viamão: the journey is shorter if you are staying locally rather than in central Porto Alegre.
- After the race: demand can increase quickly when a large crowd leaves at the same time.
- Pickup point: agree on a location away from the busiest vehicle exit if event staff provide a designated rideshare area.
Porto Alegre airport
- Salgado Filho International Airport (POA): the main airport for visitors flying into the region.
- Airport → circuit: a rental car, taxi or ride-hailing service is the simplest direct option.
- Staying in Porto Alegre: the city provides the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and other visitor facilities.
- Allow for traffic: journey times through the metropolitan area can vary substantially during busy periods.
Event-day tips
- Check the event page: Tarumã hosts different types of racing and entertainment events, so admission and parking arrangements are not always the same.
- Leave early: large race meetings can create queues close to the circuit.
- Prepare for the weather: bring sun protection, rain protection and suitable clothing for a full day outdoors.
- Evening events: Tarumã also hosts activities after dark, so public transport users should check their return journey carefully.
- Bring essentials: food and drink may be available at larger events, but availability depends on the meeting.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Tarumã, contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling. Parking areas, entrances and spectator facilities can differ depending on the event.
Bus services, parking, admission and event traffic arrangements can change. Check the official Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã event information and current transport details shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã (Viamão, Brazil)
Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã sits in Viamão on the edge of Porto Alegre and is one of Brazil’s great old-school racing circuits. Whether you’re visiting for endurance racing, touring cars, motorcycles or the famous 12 Hours of Tarumã, parks, historic sights, traditional gaúcho food and Porto Alegre’s waterfront are all within reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Saint’Hilaire Municipal Natural Park: A green escape in Viamão with native forest and space to slow down after a noisy day at the circuit. Check opening days before visiting.
- Porto Alegre Public Market: Browse food stalls, local produce and small shops in the historic centre. It is an easy introduction to the flavours and everyday life of Rio Grande do Sul.
- Guaíba waterfront: Porto Alegre’s redeveloped riverside has walking and cycling areas, playgrounds and plenty of space for families, with sunset the most popular time to visit.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Church of Our Lady of the Conception: Viamão’s historic church dates from the 18th century and reflects the town’s importance during the early history of Rio Grande do Sul.
- Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana: This large cultural centre in central Porto Alegre contains exhibition rooms, cafés and spaces dedicated to literature, music and the arts.
- Fundação Iberê Camargo: Visit this striking waterfront art museum for exhibitions centred on Brazilian modern and contemporary art.
Eat & drink like a local
- Churrasco: Rio Grande do Sul is famous for barbecue. A traditional churrascaria is an easy choice for groups wanting grilled beef and other meats after the racing.
- Xis gaúcho: This oversized local sandwich usually combines meat, cheese, salad and sauces inside a pressed bun - ideal when you want something casual and filling.
- Chimarrão: You will regularly see locals sharing this hot yerba-mate drink from a gourd. It is one of the strongest everyday symbols of gaúcho culture.
Get outdoors around Viamão
- Itapuã State Park: Protecting forests, dunes, lagoons, hills and beaches, this is Viamão’s standout nature attraction. The park reaches the meeting area of Lake Guaíba and the Patos Lagoon.
- Itapuã beaches: Some sections of the park open for swimming and day visits depending on season and environmental conditions. Arrive early when visitor numbers are limited.
- Orla do Guaíba: Back in Porto Alegre, follow the waterfront paths for an easy walk, cycle ride or sunset without committing to a full-day excursion.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Porto Alegre: Give the state capital a full day for the Public Market, historic centre, museums, parks and Guaíba waterfront instead of trying to rush through between race sessions.
- Gramado & Canela: Head into the Serra Gaúcha for mountain-resort towns known for gardens, family attractions, cafés and strong German and Italian cultural influences.
- Bento Gonçalves & Vale dos Vinhedos: Explore vineyards, wineries and Italian-Brazilian food in one of the country’s best-known wine regions. It works best as a dedicated day or overnight trip.
Good to know on event weekends
- Expect a very fast circuit: Tarumã is known for high-speed corners rather than a stop-start layout, making its quickest sections especially impressive from trackside.
- The 12 Hours is the big one: The 46th edition of the 12 Hours of Tarumã is scheduled for 19 - 20 December 2026 and is one of the circuit’s signature events.
- Other weekends can feel very different: Regional touring cars, motorcycles, endurance races and late-night Racha Tarumã events each use the venue differently, so check the programme before arriving.
- Prepare for changing weather: Southern Brazil can move between sunshine, rain and cooler conditions quickly. Bring sunscreen, water and a lightweight waterproof layer.
Race schedules, ticket arrangements, spectator access, park opening days and beach conditions can change - check current information before you travel.