Autódromo Víctor Borrat Fabini
Location
Ciudad de la Costa, Canelones, Uruguay
Current Local Time
Track Info
Autódromo Víctor Borrat Fabini - El Pinar, Uruguay
Historic permanent circuit east of Montevideo - clockwise international layout - fast, flexible and the centre of Uruguayan circuit racing
When was the track built?
The Asociación Uruguaya de Volantes, better known as AUVO, created El Pinar as its own permanent home for racing. The circuit opened in 1956 near the coast of Canelones, around 30 km east of central Montevideo.
It has changed several times since then. A major redevelopment produced a 3.001 km circuit in 1975, another extension arrived in 2017, and new construction in 2023 increased the maximum available route to 4.150 km.
When was its first race?
The opening meeting was held on 14 October 1956 with Formula Libre machinery. Around 8,000 spectators attended and Formula 1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio was guest of honour.
Asdrúbal "Pocho" Fontes won the main event in a Maserati 4CLT fitted with a Chevrolet V8. The circuit soon became home to the 6 Hours of El Pinar, one of Uruguay's best-known endurance races.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast but technical: The international layout mixes flowing corners with slower hairpins, so drivers need both confidence at speed and strong braking.
- Many configurations: El Pinar has numerous connecting roads and alternative corners. National categories can therefore race on very different layouts at the same venue.
- Good for touring cars: Long-radius corners and strong braking zones create opportunities to follow closely, use the slipstream and attempt overtakes.
The 2023-24 upgrades also added new barriers, kerbs, run-off areas and wider sections of asphalt to bring the circuit up to modern international safety standards.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Stock Car Pro: 1:18.544 - Enzo Elias, Toyota Corolla Stock Car, 2024.
- FIA TCR World Tour: 1:20.699 - Yann Ehrlacher, Lynk & Co, 2024.
- TCR World Tour qualifying: 1:19.800 - Santiago Urrutia, Lynk & Co, 2023.
- TCR World Tour race: 1:20.774 - Santiago Urrutia, Lynk & Co, 2023.
- Historic Formula 3: 1:10.870 - Leonel Friedrich, Reynard 883, 1989.
El Pinar has used many different layouts, so older lap times cannot be directly compared with records from the current international circuit.
Why is El Pinar famous?
For Uruguay, El Pinar is much more than another race track. It has been the country's main permanent circuit for generations and has hosted local championships, Formula racing, endurance events and major categories from neighbouring Argentina and Brazil.
Its international profile grew sharply in 2023 when the TCR World Tour arrived. Home driver Santiago Urrutia took pole and won the opening race in front of a large Uruguayan crowd.
Why go?
El Pinar offers a good mix of historic atmosphere and modern racing. Current events include touring cars, national championships, karting and international meetings, while its proximity to Montevideo makes it relatively easy to visit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for starts, finishes, pit activity and the largest concentrations of spectators.
- Curvón: Where access allows, the long, fast corner is a good place to appreciate the speed and balance of the cars.
- Final hairpin: Heavy braking after the faster section creates overtaking attempts before competitors accelerate back towards the start-finish area.
El Pinar can use different layouts from one event to another, so check the circuit configuration and spectator map before choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autódromo Víctor Borrat Fabini (El Pinar)
The circuit is around 30 km east of central Montevideo in El Pinar, Canelones. Driving, taxi or ride-hailing is easiest, but regular buses also stop within walking distance of the venue.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving, taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service is the easiest way to reach Autódromo Víctor Borrat Fabini. The circuit sits close to one of the main roads running east from Montevideo, so the journey is simpler than its location outside the capital might suggest.
Public transport is also a realistic option. Regular buses travel along the Ruta Interbalnearia corridor and can leave you within walking distance of the circuit.
Tip: The circuit is commonly known as “Autódromo de El Pinar”, so either name may appear on maps, tickets and local transport information.
Driving & parking
- From Montevideo: head east towards Ciudad de la Costa and continue along Ruta Interbalnearia.
- Circuit location: the venue is at approximately km 31 of Ruta Interbalnearia in El Pinar.
- Journey time: allow around 35–55 minutes from central Montevideo, with longer journeys possible during busy traffic.
- Parking: the circuit has parking areas, but major events may divide spectators between different zones.
- Race weekends: follow temporary signs and traffic officials when approaching the venue.
Large international events have previously used special parking zones and temporary traffic circulation around the circuit, so check your event information before leaving.
Bus & public transport
Regular public buses make El Pinar one of the easier South American circuits to visit without a car.
- From Montevideo: several suburban and interurban services travel east along Ruta Interbalnearia towards El Pinar and the coastal towns.
- Nearby stops: buses stop around the Indianapolis and Ruta Interbalnearia area, within a short walk of the circuit.
- Useful services: routes serving the area can include C1, C5, 700, 710 and other coastal services.
- Return journey: check the latest timetable before entering the circuit, especially if racing finishes late.
Routes and stopping patterns can change, so use current local transport information on the day you travel.
Taxi & ride-hailing
- From Montevideo: a taxi or app-based ride provides a simple door-to-door journey without needing to understand the local bus network.
- From Ciudad de la Costa: the trip is considerably shorter if you are staying near the airport or coastal suburbs.
- After a major race: expect higher demand when thousands of spectators leave at the same time.
- Pickup point: follow event instructions if a dedicated taxi or rideshare area is introduced.
Carrasco Airport
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD): the main airport serving Montevideo and the closest major airport to the circuit.
- Airport → El Pinar: the road distance is around 15 km and the journey can take roughly 15–25 minutes in normal traffic.
- Easiest option: taxi, ride-hailing or a rental car provides the simplest direct transfer.
- Bus option: buses also travel east from the airport area along the coastal transport corridor.
Where to stay
- Montevideo: offers the largest choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife, with a straightforward drive to the circuit.
- Ciudad de la Costa: useful if you want to stay closer to both the circuit and Carrasco Airport.
- El Pinar: staying locally gives you the shortest event-day journey, although accommodation choices are more limited than in central Montevideo.
Event-day tips
- Check your entrance: large events may separate different ticket and parking areas around the circuit.
- Leave early: temporary traffic controls can slow the final approach from Ruta Interbalnearia.
- Using the bus: save the location of your return stop before entering the venue.
- Prepare for the weather: bring sun protection, drinking water and rain protection for a full outdoor race day.
- Check the schedule: El Pinar hosts national and international events, and access arrangements can differ between meetings.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Autódromo Víctor Borrat Fabini, contact the event organiser before travelling. Major events may use dedicated parking and spectator zones that differ from normal circuit arrangements.
Bus services, parking areas, entrances and event traffic plans can change. Check the official AUVO information and your event instructions shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autódromo Víctor Borrat Fabini (El Pinar, Uruguay)
Autódromo Víctor Borrat Fabini, usually called El Pinar, is Uruguay’s best-known permanent racing circuit and sits close to the coast east of Montevideo. Whether you’re visiting for touring cars, national racing or a major South American event, beaches, unusual architecture, traditional food and the capital are all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- El Pinar Beach: The simplest escape from the circuit is the nearby Río de la Plata coastline. Walk the sand, relax by the water or stay for sunset after the final race.
- Atlántida: This classic seaside resort farther east combines beaches, cafés and a relaxed town centre, making it an easy half-day outing for families.
- El Águila: Near Atlántida, this strange stone building shaped like an eagle’s head has inspired stories about smugglers, spies and secret societies. Guided access can vary, but the coastal setting alone is worth seeing.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Church of Atlántida: Engineer Eladio Dieste created this remarkable church from exposed reinforced brick. Its flowing walls, vaults and bell tower earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Ciudad Vieja: Head into Montevideo to explore historic streets, Plaza Independencia, galleries, cafés and landmarks around the old city.
- Mercado del Puerto: This historic iron-roofed market is now one of Montevideo’s best-known food and cultural stops, especially if poor weather rules out the beach.
Eat & drink like a local
- Asado: Uruguay takes grilled meat seriously. A parrilla is the obvious post-race meal, with beef and other meats cooked over an open grill.
- Chivito: Try Uruguay’s famous loaded steak sandwich, usually filled with beef, ham, cheese, egg and salad. It is filling, informal and easy to find.
- Tannat: Canelones is an important wine-producing region. If you are staying longer, book a winery visit to try Uruguay’s signature red grape close to where much of it is grown.
Get outdoors along the coast
- El Pinar coastline: A beach walk is the easiest outdoor activity when you only have a short break before or after racing.
- Atlántida coast: Combine the beaches with the El Águila viewpoint and a walk through the resort town for a relaxed afternoon.
- Montevideo Rambla: The capital’s long waterfront promenade is ideal for walking, cycling and watching the sunset over the Río de la Plata.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Montevideo: Give the capital a full day for Ciudad Vieja, Mercado del Puerto, the Rambla and the city’s museums rather than trying to fit everything around track sessions.
- Atlántida & Villa Argentina: Combine the UNESCO-listed church, El Águila and the coast for an easy day east of the circuit.
- Canelones wine country: Head inland or west towards the department’s vineyards for Tannat tastings, winery lunches and a quieter look at rural Uruguay. Reserve visits in advance.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the layout: El Pinar has numerous configurations, and even categories at the same meeting can use different circuit lengths.
- The calendar is busy: National racing returned several times during 2026, while TCR South America is scheduled at El Pinar from 4 - 6 December.
- Tickets vary by meeting: For a June 2026 AUVO weekend, general and paddock tickets were sold at the circuit entrance, with children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Do not assume the same rules apply to every event.
- A car is useful: The circuit, beaches, Atlántida and central Montevideo are spread along the coast, so driving gives you the most flexibility.
Race schedules, circuit layouts, ticket arrangements, attraction opening hours, winery visits and beach conditions can change - check current information before you travel.