There’s something thrilling about street racing. The danger, the excitement, the raw power of the cars- it’s all incredibly addictive. And while there are plenty of great street racing circuits all over the world, there are a few that stand out above the rest. Here are 3 of the best street racing circuits in the world that you can visit.
Marina Bay Street Circuit – Singapore
What looks like a glowing snake from the air is the Marina Bay Street Circuit illuminated by 1,700 floodlights during the Formula 1 night-race in Singapore.
The three-day event is a highlight on Singapore’s social calendar, drawing visitors from all over the world. Besides the main race, there are also support races featuring some of the best up-and-coming drivers in the world. With its unique setting and exciting racing action, the Singapore F1 Grand Prix is truly a spectacle not for the feint hearted.
It is internationally regarded as the fastest, most difficult street circuit. No other circuit offers more curves, higher bumps and more sweat-inducing temperatures. Drivers can reach a top speed of up to 300 km/h on the short straights of the city course. Numerous 90-degree curves dotted throughout the course demand maximum concentration and driving technique.
The Singapore F1 Grand Prix is not just a race, but also a massive street party. The lively atmosphere can be experienced all around the circuit, with fans enjoying the music and festivities long after the checkered flag has been waved.
Monte Carlo – Monaco
Monaco stands for glamour, money and super yachts. And, of course, the adrenaline-fueled Monaco Grand Prix, which continues to tell the story of motorsports to this day.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious races in the world, and has been held since 1929. The race takes place on the streets of Monaco, and is known for its tight corners and challenging course.
While the race itself is the main event, there is also a lot of excitement surrounding the build-up to the event. The Monaco Grand Prix is a major social event, and many of the world’s wealthiest people descend upon the city for the weekend.
The Circuit de Monaco, opened in 1929, is one of the most famous race tracks in the world. Former Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet described it like “flying a helicopter in the living room.” One factor reigns above all: little space. The narrow roads force the driver close to the crash barrier on the bends, making overtaking manoeuvres almost impossible.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most dangerous races in the world. In recent years, there have been a number of serious accidents, and even fatalities. In 2014, driver Jules Bianchi crashed into a recovery vehicle during the Japanese Grand Prix, and later died from his injuries.
In 2016, Formula 2 driver Sean Gelael hit a bump in the road and flew into the barriers at high speed. He was lucky to escape with minor injuries.
In 2017, driver Pascal Wehrlein had a horror crash during practice, flipping his car over after hitting a kerb. He walked away from the accident uninjured.
The low average speed of 150 km/h on the race track shows it’s not speed that counts, but brains. Juan-Pablo Montoya proved just this in 2003, when he raced from starting position three to victory.
Guia Circuit – Macao
Macao, 50 kilometres west of Hong Kong: more money flows through the slot machines here than in Las Vegas. But the old Portuguese colony is not only an appealing gambling destination. With its fascinating colonial history, its melting-pot culture and its unique architecture, Macao has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
Yet Macao is not only a meeting place for gamblers, but also for motorsport racing enthusiasts from all over the world – at the Macao Grand Prix on the Guia Circuit. Here Formula 3 cars, touring cars and motorcycles race through the narrow streets of the city. The Guia Circuit is the only street circuit in Asia that meets the requirements of the FIA, and has been hosting the Macao Grand Prix since 1954.
They take super tight curves that give the city course a special thrill. The Melco Hairpin is particularly notorious with a track width of only seven metres. Nevertheless, the cars accelerate to top speeds of up to 260 km/h on the straight stretches between the curves.
Macao is a fascinating destination with a lot to offer tourists, from its rich gambling culture to its vibrant motorsport scene. If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, be sure to add Macao to your list!
So which one will you visit next?
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