Velopark
Location
Nova Santa Rita, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Current Local Time
Track Info
Velopark - Nova Santa Rita, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Compact permanent circuit near Porto Alegre - anti-clockwise - short, technical and famous for heavy braking, high kerbs and extremely close racing
When was the track built?
Velopark began as a much larger motorsport complex rather than simply a road circuit. The facility opened in 2008 with karting and a professional drag strip, before a dedicated car racing course was added in 2010.
The first test layout measured approximately 2.153 km. Driver feedback led to changes around the opening corners and pit exit before racing began, increasing the completed circuit to 2.278 km.
When was its first race?
The road circuit's first official race took place on 2 May 2010 when Stock Car Brasil visited Nova Santa Rita.
Valdeno Brito started from pole, but Ricardo Maurício took the victory after a race interrupted several times by the safety car. It began a long relationship between Velopark and Brazil's leading touring-car championship.
What's the circuit like?
- Very short: A lap takes well under a minute in the fastest cars, so traffic becomes important and tiny mistakes can cost several grid positions.
- Heavy braking: Long acceleration zones finish at tight corners, putting considerable stress on the brakes and creating opportunities for overtaking.
- High kerbs: The chicane after the start-finish straight is particularly demanding. Drivers want to attack the kerbs without upsetting or damaging the car.
Because there are so few places to relax, Velopark can feel busier than a much longer circuit. Getting good traction out of the slower corners is especially important because it determines speed along the following straight.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula 3 race lap: 0:48.668 - Pedro Piquet, Dallara F309, 2015.
- Formula 3 qualifying: 0:48.412 - Pedro Piquet, Dallara F309, 2015.
- Porsche Carrera Cup: 0:52.943 - Miguel Paludo, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S, 2010.
- GT3: 0:52.958 - Allam Khodair, Lamborghini Gallardo LP600+ GT3, 2013.
- Stock Car race lap: 0:53.931 - Thiago Camilo, Chevrolet Cruze, 2019.
Piquet's 48.412 was a qualifying lap, while his 48.668 was set during a race. Qualifying and race records are different benchmarks.
Why is Velopark famous?
Velopark is unusual because road racing is only part of the complex. The site was created for circuit racing, karting and drag racing, allowing very different forms of motorsport to operate in the same venue.
Its tiny road course has also developed a reputation for extremely close competition. With such short laps, qualifying gaps can be measured in hundredths of a second and drivers regularly encounter slower traffic.
What's happened recently?
A major change arrived at the end of 2025 when Brazilian motorsport technology company FuelTech acquired the road-racing and drag-racing side of Velopark.
The new management took over in 2026 and the venue is now officially promoted as Autódromo FuelTech Velopark, with FuelTech planning to use it both for motorsport events and as a development and testing facility.
Why go?
Velopark is particularly good for spectators who want constant action. The short lap means cars return quickly, while the compact site makes it easier to experience circuit racing, karting and drag competition during different events.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for starts, finishes, pit activity and watching cars accelerate towards the first braking zone.
- First chicane: One of the most dramatic areas, with heavy braking and drivers attacking the tall kerbs.
- End of the opposite straight: Where spectator access allows, this is another useful place for overtaking attempts under braking.
Spectator areas can vary between circuit, drag and other events, so follow the event map and venue signage when choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Velopark (Nova Santa Rita)
Velopark is less than 25 km from Porto Alegre in Nova Santa Rita. Driving, taxi or ride-hailing is easiest, but regular buses also stop within about a 10-minute walk of the circuit.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Velopark. The circuit sits directly beside BR-386 and is relatively close to Porto Alegre, so you do not need to make a long journey into the countryside.
If you are staying in Porto Alegre without a car, a taxi or ride-hailing service is convenient. Regular buses are also possible if you are comfortable with a short walk from BR-386.
Tip: The venue may appear as Velopark, Autódromo Velopark or Autódromo FuelTech Velopark in maps and event information.
Driving & parking
- Main route: use BR-386 towards Nova Santa Rita and follow navigation to the circuit.
- Official address: Rodovia BR-386, km 430, Nova Santa Rita, RS.
- From Porto Alegre: the circuit is less than 25 km from the city, although your actual journey depends on where you start.
- Parking: parking is available for major events, but it may require a separate ticket.
- Event entrances: follow your ticket information because spectator, participant and parking traffic may use different gates.
Large events can create queues on the final approach, so follow temporary signs and staff directions rather than relying only on your navigation app.
Bus & public transport
Regular buses stop surprisingly close to Velopark, making public transport a realistic option for visitors without a car.
- BR-386 Norte | Velopark: around 550 m from the circuit, approximately a 9-minute walk.
- BR-386 Sul | Velopark: around 600 m away, also approximately a 9-minute walk.
- Regional services: current journey planners list routes connecting the area with Porto Alegre, Canoas, Triunfo and surrounding communities.
- No railway station at the circuit: if using Trensurb, you will need to change to a bus, taxi or ride-hailing service for the final journey.
Check your return timetable before entering the circuit, especially if your event finishes in the evening.
Taxi & ride-hailing
- From Porto Alegre: taxi or app-based transport provides a simple door-to-door journey.
- From Canoas: the shorter distance can make this a useful alternative base for visitors.
- After the event: expect increased demand immediately after a large crowd leaves.
- Pickup point: use any designated taxi or rideshare zone announced for your event.
Porto Alegre airport
- Salgado Filho International Airport (POA): the main airport serving Porto Alegre and the nearest major airport to Nova Santa Rita.
- Airport → circuit: taxi, ride-hailing, rental car or private transfer is the simplest option.
- Rental car: useful if you are attending several days or travelling with equipment.
- Staying in Porto Alegre: the city offers the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and other visitor facilities.
Event-day tips
- Check which event you are attending: Velopark hosts circuit racing, drag racing, drift and other automotive events.
- Check parking before travelling: some events sell parking separately from admission.
- Leave early: large meetings can attract thousands of spectators and create queues around the entrances.
- Prepare for the weather: bring sun protection, drinking water and rain protection for a full day outdoors.
- Using the bus: save your return route and stop before entering the venue.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Velopark, contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling. Parking areas, entrances and spectator facilities can differ depending on the type of event.
Bus timetables, parking charges, entrances and event traffic arrangements can change. Check the official Autódromo FuelTech Velopark information and your event details shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Velopark (Nova Santa Rita, Brazil)
Velopark, now officially known as Autódromo FuelTech Velopark, sits in Nova Santa Rita in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area. Whether you’re visiting for Stock Car, drag racing, drifting or another motorsport event, wildlife, German-Brazilian history, parks and the attractions of Porto Alegre are all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Parque Zoológico de Sapucaia do Sul: A large zoo with more than 1,000 animals from around 130 species, including big cats, primates, birds and Brazilian wildlife. It is an easy half-day option for families.
- Parque Getúlio Vargas: Also called Capão do Corvo, this large park in Canoas has walking areas, sports facilities and plenty of open space for a break away from the racetrack.
- Museu do Trem: In nearby São Leopoldo, families can explore railway history around the site of Rio Grande do Sul’s first railway station.
History & rainy-day stops
- Museu do Trem: The collection includes railway tools, photographs, documents and equipment connected with the development of rail travel across southern Brazil.
- São Leopoldo: The city is closely connected with German immigration to Brazil. Historic buildings, museums and cultural sites help explain how European settlement shaped the region.
- Porto Alegre Public Market: Explore a historic market in the centre of the state capital, with food shops, restaurants and stalls selling regional products.
Eat & drink like a local
- Churrasco: Rio Grande do Sul is famous for barbecue, making a traditional churrascaria one of the easiest post-race meals for first-time visitors.
- Xis gaúcho: This oversized pressed sandwich is usually packed with meat, cheese, egg, salad and sauces - filling, inexpensive and widely available.
- Chimarrão: Look for locals carrying a gourd and flask of hot water for this traditional yerba-mate drink, an everyday symbol of gaúcho culture.
Get outdoors around Greater Porto Alegre
- Parque Getúlio Vargas: Walking and running tracks make this a straightforward morning stop before travelling to Velopark.
- Orla do Guaíba: Head into Porto Alegre for waterfront walking and cycling paths. Sunset over the Guaíba is one of the city’s classic evening experiences.
- Parque Farroupilha: Better known as Redenção, this central Porto Alegre park has gardens, recreation areas and the popular Brique da Redenção market on Sundays.
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.
- São Leopoldo: Combine the Museu do Trem with sites linked to German immigration for an easy history-focused half-day.
- Serra Gaúcha: Extend north towards towns such as Bento Gonçalves for vineyards, Italian-Brazilian food and the mountain landscapes of Rio Grande do Sul.
Good to know on event weekends
- Stock Car returns in November: Velopark is scheduled to host the 2026 Stock Car Pro Series on 15 November, with the returning Corrida do Milhão forming the headline attraction.
- There is more than circuit racing: FuelTech’s current programme also includes major professional drag-racing events with cars and motorcycles exceeding 300 km/h.
- Check your event details: Different parts of the complex are used for circuit racing, drag racing and drifting, so entrances and spectator areas can vary.
- Prepare for changing weather: Southern Brazil can move quickly between warm sunshine, rain and cooler conditions. Bring water, sunscreen and a lightweight waterproof layer.
Race schedules, spectator access, ticket arrangements, attraction opening hours and park conditions can change - check current information before you travel.