Menu
Located in the beautiful city of Braga in northern Portugal, the Circuito Vasco Sameiro is a racetrack that has become a favorite destination for motorsports enthusiasts. The circuit was opened in 1993 and has since then hosted various motorsports events, including car races, motorcycle races, and karting championships. The circuit is named after Vasco Sameiro, a Portuguese race car driver who died in a crash at the age of 25.
The Circuito Vasco Sameiro has a total length of 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) and features a total of 16 turns. The track is narrow, with some challenging corners, making it a thrilling and exciting experience for drivers. The circuit is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a paddock area, a pit lane, and grandstands that can accommodate up to 25,000 spectators.
The circuit has two layouts, the long circuit, and the short circuit. The long circuit is used for car races and motorcycle races, while the short circuit is used for karting championships. The long circuit is more challenging than the short circuit, with a variety of corners, including hairpins, chicanes, and sweeping bends. The long circuit also features a steep uphill section that adds to the difficulty of the track.
The Circuito Vasco Sameiro has hosted various national and international motorsports events over the years. The circuit has hosted the European Touring Car Championship, the FIA GT Championship, and the Portuguese Touring Car Championship. The circuit has also hosted several motorcycle events, including the Portuguese Superbike Championship and the Portuguese Motorcycle Grand Prix.
In addition to these events, the Circuito Vasco Sameiro has also hosted various track days, allowing motorsports enthusiasts to drive their own cars or motorcycles on the circuit. The track days are a great opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the thrill of driving on a racetrack and to improve their driving skills in a safe and controlled environment.
In 2020, the Braga Municipality signed a protocol with the Portuguese Motorcycling Federation to promote motorcycle events at the circuit. The protocol includes the organization of national and international motorcycle events, as well as the development of training programs for young riders. The protocol is a positive sign for the future of the circuit and shows the commitment of the local authorities to support motorsports in the region.
The Circuito Vasco Sameiro is a haven for motorsports enthusiasts in Braga and Portugal. The circuit has a challenging layout and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a popular destination for motorsports events and track days. While there have been concerns about the future of the circuit, the local authorities and motorsports enthusiasts have been working hard to ensure its survival. The recent protocol signed with the Portuguese Motorcycling Federation is a positive sign for the future of the circuit and shows the commitment of the local authorities to support motorsports in the region.
