Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi - Track Information & Guides | MotorSportRadar

Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi

Location

Italy Campagnano di Roma, Italy

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Track Info

Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi - Campagnano di Roma, Italy

Technical permanent circuit north of Rome - used for car and motorcycle racing, testing, track days and driver training

First Motor Race
1951
The earliest car races used a sand track created from a former horse-racing venue.
International Circuit
4.085 km
The motorcycle version is slightly longer at 4.110 km because it uses a modified section.
Club Circuit
1.746 km
The original paved layout remains available for shorter races, testing and training.
Turns
12
Six right-hand and six left-hand corners on the clockwise International layout.
Outright Benchmark
1:12.80 - Anthony Davidson, 2006
Set in a Honda Formula 1 car during testing rather than an official race.

When was the track built?

Vallelunga began as a horse-racing venue before motorcycles and cars started competing on its sand surface in 1951. At the time, Italy had very few permanent circuits outside Monza.

A proper asphalt track was designed by engineer and racing driver Piero Taruffi in 1957. The original 1.746 km Club circuit opened with the 6 Hours Esso on 1 December 1957.

How did the circuit develop?

The longer International layout opened in 1963 with the Rome Grand Prix. Vallelunga became the property of the Automobile Club d'Italia in 1967, and its direction was changed from anti-clockwise to clockwise in 1970.

A major extension completed in 2005 increased the car circuit to 4.085 km. The venue was officially named after Piero Taruffi, recognising the engineer and driver who designed its first paved layout.

What's the circuit like?

  • Fast opening section: Cars leave the main straight and enter Curvone, a long right-hand corner that places heavy sideways force on the tyres.
  • Technical middle sector: The Cimini corners and the tighter Campagnano section reward accurate braking and a well-balanced car.
  • Varied corner speeds: Drivers must move quickly between fast sweeping bends, slow turns and short acceleration zones.
  • Important final corner: A clean exit from Roma is essential because it controls speed along the entire main straight.

What races here?

  • Italian GT and Formula 4: National championships bring modern sports cars and young single-seater drivers to Vallelunga.
  • EuroNASCAR: Powerful V8 stock cars compete on a shortened version of the circuit designed to produce closer racing.
  • Motorcycle racing: Italian championship meetings use the slightly longer motorcycle configuration.
  • Historic and endurance racing: Classic cars and long-distance events continue Vallelunga's association with the Rome Grand Prix and 6 Hours of Rome.
  • Drifting and time attack: Special events judge controlled slides or challenge drivers to set the fastest individual lap.

Lap records and benchmarks

  • Formula 1 test: 1:12.80 - Anthony Davidson in the Honda RA106, March 2006.
  • Formula 3 race lap: 1:29.331 - Alex Lynn in a Dallara-Mercedes, October 2013.
  • Formula 3000 race lap: 1:25.062 - Roldán Rodríguez in a Lola, October 2006.
  • GT3 race lap: 1:34.055 - Paolo Ruberti in a Porsche 911 GT3 R, November 2011.

Testing, qualifying and race laps take place under different conditions, so their times should not be compared directly.

Why go?

Vallelunga offers a broad range of motorsport within easy reach of Rome. A meeting may include single-seaters, touring cars, GT cars or motorcycles, making the venue approachable for visitors who do not follow one particular championship.

The complex also contains a driving-safety centre, off-road areas and the remains of an ancient Roman road discovered during improvement work.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • Main grandstand: Best for race starts, pit stops, the finish and cars accelerating out of Roma.
  • Curvone: A strong choice for appreciating speed and the commitment required through a long, fast corner.
  • Cimini: Good for braking, direction changes and overtaking attempts after the opening high-speed section.
  • Campagnano and Soratte: Best for watching drivers manage the slower, more technical part of the lap.

Vallelunga is near Campagnano di Roma, approximately 30 km north of central Rome. Public access, grandstands and parking arrangements vary between events, so check the official event information before travelling.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi (Italy)

Vallelunga is near Campagnano di Roma, around 40 km north of central Rome. Driving is the easiest option, while visitors without a car can take a regional train to Cesano di Roma and complete the journey by taxi or pre-arranged transfer.

Location
Campagnano di Roma, Lazio
The circuit is north of Rome in a mostly rural area outside the town.
Closest Station
Cesano di Roma
Approximately 10 km from the circuit; a taxi or private transfer is recommended for the final journey.
From Rome
Around 40 km
Allow roughly 45–50 minutes by car in normal traffic.
Best Option
Car or rental car
Public transport does not take you directly to the circuit entrance.
Nearest Airports
Rome Ciampino & Fiumicino
Ciampino is about 55 km away; Fiumicino is approximately 65 km away.
Parking
On-site parking available
Parking locations, charges and availability depend on the individual event.

Driving to the circuit

Driving is the easiest way to reach Vallelunga, particularly if you are staying in Rome or travelling with several people.

  • From Rome: head north using the Grande Raccordo Anulare and the Cassia Bis towards Campagnano di Roma.
  • Journey time: allow around 45–50 minutes from central Rome in light traffic.
  • Race weekends: leave additional time because the roads approaching the circuit can become busy.
  • Navigation: search for “Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi”.

The circuit is outside Campagnano itself, so navigate directly to the autodromo rather than simply entering the town name.

Getting there by train

Vallelunga can be visited without a car, but you will need road transport for the last part of the journey. The nearest useful railway station is Cesano di Roma.

  1. Take a regional train towards Cesano. The FL3 railway connects Rome with Cesano and destinations farther north.
  2. Get off at Cesano di Roma Station.
  3. Continue by taxi or private transfer for the remaining journey of approximately 10 km.

Do not plan to walk from Cesano Station. The distance and road environment make a taxi or arranged transfer much more practical.

Taxi & event shuttles

A taxi or private transfer is the simplest choice for visitors arriving by train. Special transport may also be provided for major events.

  • From Cesano: arrange a taxi or transfer to the circuit before travelling if possible.
  • From Rome: a direct taxi is possible but considerably more expensive than taking the train part of the way.
  • Event shuttles: Vallelunga can introduce dedicated shuttle services for larger race meetings.
  • Inside the circuit: some race weekends operate free shuttles between different paddock and spectator areas.

Transport plans change between events, so check the official event page rather than assuming a shuttle will operate.

Parking

Vallelunga has parking areas within the wider circuit complex, but spectator arrangements can change depending on the size and type of event.

  • On-site parking: available for many events, subject to capacity.
  • Parking charges: some meetings offer free parking while others may use different arrangements.
  • Large events: follow temporary signs and staff directions rather than relying only on your navigation app.
  • Motorcycles: some motorcycle events provide dedicated parking close to the grandstand area.

For some 2026 events, Vallelunga has also introduced bookable event shuttles and organised carpooling to reduce congestion around the circuit.

Flying in

Rome has two main airports, and either can be used for a visit to Vallelunga. A rental car is usually the easiest option from both.

  • Rome Ciampino (CIA): approximately 55 km from the circuit.
  • Rome Fiumicino (FCO): approximately 65 km from the circuit.
  • Rental car: the simplest choice if you are attending several days of racing.
  • Without a car: travel into Rome's rail network, continue towards Cesano and use a taxi for the final section.

Airport-to-circuit driving times are normally around an hour, but Rome traffic can add considerably more time.

Where to stay

Your best accommodation depends on whether the race weekend or visiting Rome itself is more important to you.

  • Campagnano di Roma: closest to the circuit and useful if motorsport is the main purpose of your trip.
  • Rome: offers far more hotels, restaurants and sightseeing, but requires a longer journey to the circuit each day.

If you stay in central Rome and plan to drive, allow generous extra time for both city traffic and congestion near the circuit.

Race-day tips

  • Check your ticket requirements: some Vallelunga race weekends require free online registration even when admission itself is free.
  • Arrive early: traffic and parking queues increase quickly for major events.
  • Check your entrance: spectator, paddock and participant access can use different gates.
  • Bring hearing protection: particularly for children and anyone staying close to the track for long periods.
  • Prepare for the weather: much of the venue is outdoors and summer days around Rome can be very hot.
  • Save the address: Via Mola Maggiorana 4/6, 00063 Campagnano di Roma, Italy.

For a first visit, driving directly to Vallelunga is the simplest option. Without a car, take the train to Cesano di Roma and arrange a taxi or transfer for the final journey.

Parking, admission, shuttle services and entrance arrangements can change for each race meeting. Check the official Vallelunga event page before travelling.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi (Campagnano di Roma, Italy)

Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi is a historic Italian racing circuit in the countryside north of Rome. It hosts car and motorcycle racing, drifting, testing and track days - while Lake Bracciano, medieval villages, waterfalls and some excellent museums make it easy to turn a race weekend into a longer Lazio trip.

Motorsport at Vallelunga
Cars + motorcycles + drift
The calendar includes Italian championship racing, motorcycle events, EuroNASCAR, drifting, time attack, historic cars and public track days.
Main Event Window
Spring - late autumn
Major race weekends generally run from April into November. Summers can be very hot, especially in exposed spectator areas.
The Track
4.085 km
The International Circuit runs clockwise. A shorter 1.746 km Club layout is also available.
Location
Campagnano di Roma
The circuit is north of Rome in the Lazio countryside. Lake Bracciano and several historic villages are easier nearby trips than central Rome on a busy race day.

Family-friendly highlights nearby

  • Trevignano Romano: A relaxed lakeside town on Lake Bracciano with a promenade, cafés and places to enjoy the water. It is an easy change of pace after a noisy day at the circuit.
  • Castello Orsini-Odescalchi: A large medieval and Renaissance castle overlooking Lake Bracciano, with furnished rooms, armour, artwork and impressive lake views.
  • Monte Gelato Waterfalls: A picturesque series of small waterfalls in the Treja Valley, with woodland paths and a historic watermill nearby.

Culture & rainy-day winners

  • Italian Air Force Historical Museum: Set beside Lake Bracciano at the former Vigna di Valle seaplane base, this large aviation museum is an excellent choice for motorsport and engineering fans.
  • Castello Orsini-Odescalchi: The castle museum in Bracciano works well when the weather is poor and is one of the area's major historic attractions.
  • Etruscan-Roman Civic Museum: A small museum in Trevignano Romano displaying finds from local Etruscan tombs - useful for first-time visitors wanting a simple introduction to the area's ancient history.

Eat & drink around the circuit

  • Campagnano di Roma: The nearest town is the practical choice for pizza, pasta, cafés and relaxed local restaurants.
  • Trevignano Romano: Lakeside restaurants make this a good dinner stop, particularly if you want an evening walk beside Lake Bracciano.
  • Try Roman classics: Look for carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and other simple pasta dishes associated with Rome and Lazio.
  • Bracciano: Combine dinner with the historic centre and castle for an easy evening away from the circuit.

Get outdoors between race days

  • Lake Bracciano: Swimming, paddling, sailing and lakeside walks make it one of the easiest outdoor additions to a Vallelunga weekend.
  • Bracciano-Martignano Regional Park: The protected volcanic landscape surrounds both Lake Bracciano and smaller Lake Martignano, with countryside, woodland and walking opportunities.
  • Monte Gelato Waterfalls: Follow the trails beside the Treja River for a quieter morning before returning to the circuit.

Summer heat can be intense. Carry water and avoid longer exposed walks during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Easy day trips if you're extending your stay

  • Rome: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Vatican make the capital an obvious full-day extension. Avoid trying to squeeze central Rome between race sessions.
  • Bracciano: Combine the castle, historic streets and lakefront for a straightforward half-day or full-day trip.
  • Calcata: A tiny medieval village perched dramatically on a tufa cliff, known today for artists, workshops and narrow old streets.
  • Trevignano Romano: Spend a slower day beside Lake Bracciano, then walk up toward the ruins of the old fortress for views across the water.

Good to know during race weekends

  • Vallelunga hosts many kinds of events: Car races, motorcycle meetings, drift competitions and track days can have very different ticket, parking and spectator arrangements.
  • Check the exact calendar: Some weekends are major public race meetings while other days are dedicated to testing or private activities.
  • A car makes sightseeing easier: The circuit and surrounding lake villages are spread across the countryside, so driving gives you far more flexibility.
  • Prepare for the sun: Lazio summers can be hot and bright. Water, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes are useful for long days around the circuit.
  • Bring hearing protection: Racing and drift events can be extremely loud, particularly for children.

Race schedules, spectator access, parking, attraction opening hours and outdoor conditions can change - check current information before travelling.

Hotels & Accommodation