Located on the western outskirts of Brno, the Masaryk Circuit is one of Europe’s most celebrated permanent racing venues. Opened in its modern form in 1987, the circuit combines wide racing surfaces, dramatic elevation changes and beautifully flowing corners that have earned universal admiration from riders, drivers and engineers alike.
Named after the first President of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the circuit continues the legacy of the original Masaryk road races held on public roads around Brno from the 1930s onwards.
Today the modern circuit is recognised as one of the world’s finest motorcycle racing venues while also serving as an outstanding test of chassis balance and vehicle dynamics for four-wheel competition.
In Brief
- Brno’s original Masaryk Circuit dates back to 1930 as a public-road course.
- The modern permanent circuit opened in 1987.
- The circuit’s exceptional width allows multiple racing lines throughout much of the lap.
- Brno returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2025 following extensive resurfacing and facility upgrades.
- Riders consistently rank Brno among their favourite circuits due to its flowing layout and elevation changes.
- The venue has hosted everything from Grand Prix motorcycles to GT cars, touring cars and truck racing.
History
Brno’s motorsport heritage stretches back to 1930, when the original Masaryk Grand Prix was contested on an extensive public-road circuit surrounding the city. The fast and demanding road course quickly became one of Europe’s most prestigious pre-war racing venues, attracting legendary manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union and Alfa Romeo.
As vehicle performance increased, the public-road layout became increasingly unsuitable for international competition. Construction of the current permanent circuit began during the 1980s, and the modern Masaryk Circuit officially opened in 1987.
The venue rapidly became a cornerstone of the Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix, hosting generations of memorable battles involving Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan, Marc Márquez and many of the sport’s greatest champions.
Following a brief absence from the MotoGP calendar, Brno returned in 2025 after significant resurfacing and infrastructure improvements, reaffirming its place among the world’s premier motorcycle circuits.
Circuit Design
The Grand Prix layout measures 5.403 kilometres and consists of 14 corners arranged across naturally undulating terrain.
Unlike many circuits built around heavy braking zones, Brno is characterised by continuous rhythm. Long-radius corners, wide track widths and significant elevation changes encourage multiple racing lines and reward momentum throughout the lap.
The circuit’s generous width—up to 15 metres in places—provides exceptional overtaking opportunities while allowing drivers and riders to explore different approaches to individual corners.
Rather than forcing competitors into a single ideal line, Brno encourages creativity, making it one of the most enjoyable circuits to race.
LENGTH
5.403
kilometres
WIDTH
15
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
SURFACE
Asphalt
ELEVATION CHANGE
72.9
metres
OPENED
1987
39 years ago
Masaryk Circuit is defined by its substantial elevation changes, broad racing surface and flowing combination of medium- and high-speed corners. Rather than relying on repeated slow technical sections, the circuit rewards momentum and confidence, with gradients continually influencing braking points, visibility and the loading of the car or motorcycle.
The opening part of the lap descends progressively through fast and medium-speed corners, requiring competitors to maintain rhythm while positioning themselves accurately for the sequences that follow. The lowest part of the circuit introduces stronger braking and slower direction changes before the character changes significantly as the track begins its long climb. Through the final sections, acceleration, gradient and increasingly fast corners combine to place greater emphasis on power delivery, stability and maintaining momentum uphill.
Although individual corners are less internationally recognised than at circuits such as Mugello or Spa, Brno’s defining challenge comes from the relationship between its flowing geometry and constantly changing elevation. Riders and drivers who anticipate the gradients, preserve speed through connected corners and remain smooth during the long climbing sections are generally rewarded most strongly.
| # | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | T1 Right |
| 2 | T2 Left |
| 3 | T3 Left |
| 4 | T4 Right |
| 5 | T5 Right |
| 6 | T6 Right |
| 7 | T7 Left |
| 8 | T8 Left |
| 9 | T9 Right |
| 10 | T10 Right |
| 11 | T11 Left |
| 12 | T12 Right |
| 13 | T13 Left |
| 14 | T14 Right |
Brno occupies an exceptional position in Central European motorsport, with a racing tradition extending far beyond the construction of the present Masaryk Circuit. The original Masaryk Circuit was established in 1930 using public roads outside the city, hosting major international automobile races and bringing some of Europe’s leading Grand Prix drivers and manufacturers to Czechoslovakia.
Motorcycle competition subsequently became fundamental to Brno’s identity. World Championship motorcycle racing arrived on the old road circuit before moving to the purpose-built Masaryk Circuit after its opening in 1987. The Czech Motorcycle Grand Prix became one of the country’s most important international sporting events, with the circuit’s elevation changes and flowing layout making it particularly respected among generations of Grand Prix riders.
Brno has also hosted World Superbikes, touring cars, GT racing, endurance competition and numerous European and national championships, establishing the venue as an important centre for both two- and four-wheeled motorsport. Its international role has been particularly significant for the Czech Republic and the wider Central European region, where relatively few circuits have maintained comparable World Championship heritage.
Masaryk Circuit therefore represents the modern continuation of almost a century of organised racing around Brno. The transition from enormous public-road courses to the present permanent circuit reflects the wider evolution of motorsport itself, while preserving Brno’s longstanding association with international competition. Few modern circuits can claim such a direct connection between contemporary Grand Prix infrastructure and a racing tradition originating on the surrounding roads.
Visitor Experience
Masaryk Circuit offers one of Central Europe’s most relaxed and authentic motorsport experiences.
Natural grassy spectator banks provide excellent panoramic views across several corners, while the circuit’s generous elevation changes allow visitors to appreciate the speed and rhythm of the racing from multiple vantage points. During MotoGP weekends, hundreds of thousands of fans traditionally created one of the championship’s most passionate atmospheres.
Away from the circuit, visitors can explore the historic city of Brno, renowned for its medieval centre, vibrant cafés, modern architecture and wine culture of South Moravia.
Location
Masaryk Circuit is located approximately 15 kilometres west of Brno.
Positioned close to the D1 motorway linking Prague and Bratislava, the venue enjoys excellent access from across Central Europe while remaining within easy reach of Vienna and Bratislava.
Address
Masarykův okruh 201
664 81 Ostrovačice
Okres Brno-venkov, Jihomoravský kraj
Czechia
Website