Located among the rolling vineyards of Andalusia near Jerez de la Frontera, Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto is one of the world’s most respected motorcycle racing circuits. Since opening in 1985, the venue has become deeply intertwined with the history of MotoGP, serving not only as a championship circuit but also as one of the sport’s most important testing and development centres.
Named in honour of thirteen-time World Champion Ángel Nieto, the circuit combines flowing corners, technical braking zones and exceptional spectator visibility. Its balanced layout rewards smooth riding, chassis precision and tyre management, making it equally valuable for competition and engineering development.
For generations of riders, success at Jerez has been regarded as a hallmark of complete motorcycle racing ability.
In Brief
- Circuito de Jerez opened in 1985 and hosted its first Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1987.
- The circuit was renamed in honour of thirteen-time World Champion Ángel Nieto in 2018.
- For many years, Jerez served as MotoGP’s primary pre-season testing venue.
- The final corner is named after multiple MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo.
- The circuit’s mild Andalusian climate allows testing throughout the year.
- Jerez is widely regarded as one of the finest circuits for evaluating motorcycle chassis performance.
History
Circuito de Jerez officially opened in 1985 during a period of rapid growth for Spanish motorsport. Almost immediately, the venue attracted international attention and, in 1987, hosted its first Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The circuit quickly established itself as one of the most popular events on the calendar. Passionate Spanish fans, excellent organisation and a technically rewarding layout transformed Jerez into one of MotoGP’s defining venues.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the circuit became the preferred location for winter and pre-season testing. Manufacturers including Honda, Yamaha Motor Company, Ducati, KTM and Aprilia spent countless days refining machines before each championship.
Following the passing of Ángel Nieto in 2017, the circuit was officially renamed Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, honouring one of Spain’s greatest sporting legends.
Circuit Design
The Grand Prix layout measures 4.423 kilometres and consists of thirteen corners arranged in a highly rhythmic sequence.
Unlike circuits dominated by long straights, Jerez places continual emphasis on cornering performance. Riders spend much of the lap transitioning smoothly between medium-speed bends, heavy braking zones and technical acceleration points.
The circuit is particularly well balanced. Every section evaluates a different aspect of motorcycle performance, including front-end stability, braking confidence, rear traction and tyre durability.
Its natural amphitheatre setting allows spectators to follow large portions of the circuit, contributing to one of MotoGP’s finest race atmospheres.
LENGTH
4.428
kilometres
WIDTH
11–13
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
SURFACE
Asphalt
OPENED
1985
41 years ago
Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto is defined by a flowing sequence of predominantly medium- and high-speed corners, with relatively short straights ensuring that rhythm and corner speed remain important throughout the lap. Its combination of changing radii, technical braking areas and faster sweeping turns creates a circuit where chassis balance and mechanical grip are particularly important, while the generally open layout allows riders and drivers to carry considerable momentum between sections.
The opening sector establishes this rhythm through the first technical corners before the circuit begins to flow towards the faster sections around Sito Pons and Dry Sack, where one of the lap’s strongest braking opportunities places emphasis on stability and accurate positioning. Through the middle of the circuit, interconnected corners reward smooth inputs and confidence before the lap builds towards the fast Álex Crivillé and Ferrari sections. The final Jorge Lorenzo corner introduces one last heavy braking challenge, where positioning and traction are essential before competitors accelerate back onto the main straight.
Although several corners carry the names of celebrated Spanish motorcycle racers, Jerez is ultimately defined by the rhythm created by linking them together. Riders and drivers who remain smooth through its faster sequences, preserve corner speed and avoid compromising their positioning for the following turn are generally rewarded most strongly.
| # | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | Curva Expo '92 Right |
| 2 | Curva Michelin Right |
| 3 | T3 Left |
| 4 | T4 Left |
| 5 | Curva Sito Pons Right |
| 6 | Curva Dry Sac Right |
| 7 | T7 Left |
| 8 | Curva Aspar Left |
| 9 | Curva Ángel Nieto Right |
| 10 | Curva Peluqui Right |
| 11 | Curva Alex Criville Right |
| 12 | Curva Ferrari Right |
| 13 | Curva Lorenzo Left |
Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto occupies an exceptional position within Spanish motorsport and is one of the most important venues in the history of modern motorcycle Grand Prix racing. Opened in 1985, the circuit arrived as Spain’s motorcycle culture was developing into the extraordinary competitive force it represents today, and Jerez subsequently became one of the principal stages on which that transformation unfolded.
Its identity is inseparable from the MotoGP World Championship and the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix. Each year, enormous numbers of enthusiasts travel to Andalusia for a weekend that extends far beyond the circuit itself, transforming Jerez and the surrounding region into a celebration of motorcycle culture. Generations of Spanish champions have competed here before their home audience, while many corners now carry the names of riders including Ángel Nieto, Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, Álex Crivillé and Sito Pons, embedding Spanish racing history directly into the circuit.
Jerez also possesses significant automobile racing heritage. It hosted the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix during the 1980s and the European Grand Prix in the 1990s, including the dramatic 1997 championship finale. Beyond Grand Prix competition, the circuit has welcomed World Superbikes, international and national automobile championships, junior categories and extensive testing programmes.
Its greatest significance, however, remains its relationship with motorcycles. Together with circuits such as Mugello and Assen, Jerez has become one of the places where Grand Prix motorcycle racing is experienced as much as a culture as a sporting event. Its combination of demanding layout, enormous spectator enthusiasm and deep connection with generations of Spanish riders has established Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto as one of the defining venues of international motorcycle racing.
Visitor Experience
Circuito de Jerez offers one of Europe’s most welcoming motorsport experiences.
The circuit’s natural bowl-shaped setting provides excellent visibility across multiple sectors, allowing spectators to appreciate the rhythm of the lap without relying heavily on large video screens. During MotoGP weekends, hundreds of thousands of fans transform Jerez into one of the most vibrant celebrations of motorcycle culture anywhere in the world.
The surrounding region offers an equally compelling attraction. Visitors can explore the historic centre of Jerez, famous for its sherry bodegas, Andalusian horses and flamenco traditions, before travelling to nearby Cádiz or the Atlantic coast.
Location
Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto is situated approximately 10 kilometres north-east of Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain’s Andalusia region. The circuit lies within easy reach of Jerez Airport and is approximately one hour from Seville.
Its Mediterranean climate allows year-round testing, making it one of Europe’s busiest permanent motorsport facilities.
Address
Km 10 Carretera de Arcos-Jerez de la Frontera
11405 Jerez de la Frontera
Cádiz, Andalucía
Spain
Website