Location | Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain |
---|---|
Time zone | GMT +1 |
Broke ground | 1984 |
Opened | 1985 |
Major events |
Formula One Spanish Grand Prix European Grand Prix Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix |
Grand Prix Circuit (current) | |
Length | 4.428 km (2.751 mi) |
Turns | 13 |
Grand Prix Circuit (1991-1996) | |
Length | 4.422 km (2.751 mi) |
Turns | 15 |
Lap record | 1:23.135 ( Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Williams-Renault FW19, 1997) |
Grand Prix Circuit (1986-1990) | |
Length | 4.218 km (2.621 mi) |
Turns | 16 |
Lap record | 1:24.513 ( Riccardo Patrese, Williams-Renault FW13B, 1990) |
Website | www |
Coordinates: 36°42′30″N 6°2′3″W / 36.70833°N 6.03417°W
Circuito de Jerez (Circuit of Jerez), formerly known as Circuito Permanente de Jerez, is a 4.428 km (2.751 mi) racing circuit located close to the city of Jerez de la Frontera, deep within the sherry-producing south of Spain. The project was led by the Spanish engineer Manuel Medina Lara, based on a preliminary idea from Alessandro Rocci.
The circuit opened on 8 December 1985. During 1986 the circuit hosted the first international motorcycle event in Spain in March and the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix in April. The circuit's relatively remote location hindered significant spectator turnout, although up to 125,000 can be accommodated. Because of this, F1 moved to Barcelona following the 1991 race.
Due to the hosting of the European Grand Prix in 1994, the circuit instituted safety changes from the 1990 configuration, including a new chicane (the Senna curve) at the corner where Martin Donnelly had an appalling accident during qualifying for the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix. Jerez also hosted the 1997 European Grand Prix, which was the championship decider between Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve, who collided during the race.