Brno: Technical file

Wed, 13 Aug 10:31:00 2008


All you need to know about the Czech Republic MotoGP in Brno this weekend.

This is the 39th occasion that the World Championship has stopped off in Brno for a Czech Grand Prix: the first of them was in 1965 on the old road circuit, which measured almost 14km.

The first few editions were dominated by British riders and in 1966 bikes legend Mike Hailwood won three races in one day. Riding a Honda, 'Mike the Bike' took victory in the 500cc, 350cc and 250cc categories. However, the most successful rider at the old circuit was Giacomo Agostini, who took seven wins in the premier class.

The current circuit was used for the first time in 1987 and it has been conquered most times by Max Biaggi, who took four 250cc wins and three in the top class.

Track

The present Brno circuit snakes its way around the hills that border the Czech Republic's second city and is one of the jewels in the crown of motorcycle racing. Built in 1987 to replace the old and dangerous road circuit that had previously hosted the racing, the track retains some of the original characteristics and for this reason it is much to the liking of the riders.

With track width reaching 15m in some places, its fast and mixed layout features fast direction changes, chicanes and elevation changes. The extra width rewards a precise racing line and those continual elevations changes, with several downhill braking areas, require a perfect bike set-up, a talented rider and good tyre life.

Engine performance is also an important factor, with the long straights giving the MotoGP machines a chance to really stretch their legs. The circuit has been resurfaced for this season.


Recent winners

2007 Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro) 43:45.810
2006 Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro) 43:40.145
2005 Valentino Rossi (Gauloises Yamaha) 43:56.539
2004 Sete Gibernau (Telefonica Movistar Honda) 44:03.480
2003 Valentino Rossi (Repsol Honda) 44:18.907
2002 Max Biaggi (Marlboro Yamaha) 44:36.498
2001 Valentino Rossi (Nastro Azzurro Honda) 45:01.044
2000 Max Biaggi (Marlboro Yamaha) 45:31.918


Info

Lap record: Loris Capirossi (Ducati, 2006) 1:58.157
Pole record: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha, 2006), 1:56.191
Circuit length: 5.403km
2008 GP: 22 laps (118.866km)
Ducati / Honda Gresini / Michelin / Eurosport