In Britain we are blessed with a wide range of racing circuits, which provide us with some of the best track days in the world. Unfortunately, as you know, we are not usually blessed with the best of weather, meaning that motorcycle track days are very much a summer activity in the UK.
Fear not, though. There are some brilliant tracks on mainland Europe that can provide year round track action, or just a bit of variety in the summer months. Thinking of heading beyond these shores? Here are five of the best…
Mugello
What. A. Circuit.
Mugello is the home of the Italian MotoGP round, one of the most eagerly awaited races of the season.
As a race, it has it all, with a massive, passionate, crowd and close racing, and as a circuit it is pretty special too.
Nestling in the Tuscany hills, Mugello features a kilometre long straight where the MotoGP bikes touch 215mph, while the fast and flowing corners make for one of the most memorable riding experiences you’ll ever have. Many MotoGP riders rate Mugello as their favourite race of the year, so it’s no surprise that Mugello is a bucket list destination for many track day fans too.
Track days run throughout the summer and a number of British companies offer bike transport services that allow you to fly in and meet your bike in Italy. As a holiday destination, Mugello is pretty much spot on as well. Make a trip of it and enjoy some of the best that Italy has to offer. Florence is little more than half an hour away, or if you prefer a beach holiday the Adriatic coast is just a few hours away. Bologna and Modena (homes to Ducati and Ferrari respectively) are also within riding distance if you want to enjoy the various automotive museums in the area.
Jerez
Another MotoGP circuit that is popular with hardcore track day fans, Jerez may lack some of the drama of Mugello, but its location in Andalucía, right in the south of Spain, means that the track gets year round use. If you want to experience a European Grand Prix standard track in December, Jerez is pretty much the only option.
Many track day organisers will transport your bike to Jerez, while plenty of cheap flights and hotels make it a popular winter destination for many Brits.
If you do plan on going to Jerez, it’s best checking with the trackday organiser and ensuring that the event is at an appropriate level for your experience. The circuit is popular with pro racers getting in their winter practice, meaning that some sessions (especially in January and February) are little short of full-blown test sessions, especially if they have an ‘open pitlane’ rather than sessions based on experience and lap times.
The popularity with racers also makes places at a premium in the pre-season, but book the right session at the right time and you’ll have a brilliant experience on a fantastic circuit.
Nurburgring
Not a track day in the traditional sense, but running laps around the fearsome 13 mile Nordschleife is another bucket list item for many fans of performance cars and bikes.
Nicknamed ‘The Green Hell’ Nurburgring’s Nordschleife hosted the German motorcycle Grand Prix until 1980, when it was deemed to be too dangerous. Like that other iconic race track, the Isle of Man TT Mountain course, you can still ride around it today. Unlike the TT course, which consists of public roads which are only closed for the TT races themselves, you can turn up and spin laps of the ‘Ring in a semi-closed environment.
The course is essentially a toll road. A single ‘tourist’ lap costs between €25-30 and can be ridden as long as you and your bike are road legal. You’ll be sharing the circuit with other vehicles, with everything from high end Porsches and BMWs out for a PB, through to tourist coaches dawdling along on the ‘racing’ line. It’s a risky piece of road, so best to have your wits about you, ride within your limits and drink in the history.
The Nurburgring is a 300 mile ride from Calais and provides a popular diversion for British bikers taking in a touring holiday in the Black Forest. It’s open on most days, but best to check opening times in advance though, as it is occasionally closed for racing and other events.
Assen
When it comes to naming the greatest circuit of the world, Assen usually is right up there.
Until this year’s Coronavirus pandemic, the Dutch circuit was the only one to have hosted a Grand Prix every year since the championship’s inception in 1949. It also holds world superbike and even British superbike championship rounds, and the racers universally love the fast and flowing layout of ‘The Cathedral of Speed’.
Track days have become more common in recent years and are arranged by various companies in the UK and Europe, including British organiser No Limits.
Unlike some of the other venues here, Assen isn’t exactly located in great riding territory. Roads around the circuit are generally flat, straight and heavily policed, while the climate is typically the same as here in the UK. It rains a lot!
But the track is one of the greats and definitely worth a visit. It’s easy enough to get there by road, especially for those located in the east side of Great Britain. Assen’s around a five hour drive from Calais, and around half of that from the ferry ports at the Hook of Holland and Amsterdam.
Assen itself is a relatively sleepy small city, but nearby Groningen is a student hotspot that’s good for a night out – and, of course, Amsterdam remains a magnet for tourists and a great destination to combine with an Assen track day.
Almeria
It may be the least glamourous of our quintet of Euro circuits but Almeria is definitely hit with British riders, especially in the winter months.
Situated in the Andalucian desert, the Circuito de Almeria has the honour of being Europe’s driest race track, with sunshine guaranteed pretty much all year round.
It’s not a circuit well known to race fans, as no major race series take place at the track, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a second rate venue – far from it. The Almeria circuit has evolved over the years into a kind of holiday resort for petrol heads, specialising in track days, winter testing and even press and dealer events for the major manufacturers.
The track itself is modern, well surfaced and offers a good variety of corners – not to mention some long straights to really open your bike up on. The surrounding area is also popular for dirt bike riding, and there are local companies which can take you on guided tours, and there’s even a sister circuit next door. The Andalucia circuit is more technically demanding than Almeria, and some track day packages even combine the two circuits to make a fiendish 9km (5.5 mile) long track.
Alongside the weather, the other great thing about Almeria is its ease. The main operator is Focused Events, who run regular shuttles to transport bikes and equipment to the venue from the UK, meaning you simply need to fly in, pick up a hire car and drive over to the circuit.
