The Rio GP venue in detail
The Nelson Piquet circuit was built in 1975 close to Rio de Janeiro, in a spectacular location gained from the wetlands, between high granite mountaintops. In the summer of 1982 it held its first international event and between 1978 and 1989, the Nelson Piquet track was the venue of important sports events. But the high temperatures and the high humidity of the area lead to a gradual and premature degradation of the facilities. Rebuilt in seven months in 1995, the Brazilian track was again able to stage the Rio Motorcycle Grand Prix. Its 4933 metres include one of the longest straights of the Championship (1100 metres), and both the track as well as the services have been improved in the last years, although riders still often complain of severe bumpy areas, making the suspensions a key factor. With its wide and fast corners (8 left and 4 right-hand) the Nelson Piquet circuit is much more technically demanding as one may think looking at its simple design. The new pit garages, its enormous grandstands and the media centre have helped Rio to consolidate as a firm fixture on the MotoGP agenda.
Official Web: Autodromo Nelson Piquet (
http://www.riogp.com.br/)