Europe is home to some of the best race tracks in the world, but which are the best to drive on? There are strong arguments for the likes of Silverstone and Spa Francorchamps, but what do racing drivers believe to be the best track?
That’s why we’ve asked Team BRIT drivers to give us their verdict. Drivers from different race disciplines gave us some surprising answers….
Best race tracks in Europe
Aaron Morgan – British GT Driver
Portimao
Portimao is such a fast and flowing track. You never get a break and it feels a bit like a roller-coaster as there’s over 100 metres between the highest and lowest point of the track.
Spa Francorchamps
Elevation changes for which the TV cameras do not do justice! The iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Pouhon and Blanchimont are so challenging as a driver and that’s maybe not really portrayed through television.
Silverstone
The home of British motorsport which challenges the driver through the fast Copse, Maggots/Becketts, Stowe, but also has the slow ‘Arena’ section. A good lap round here tests all the skills of a driver and their car.
Luke Pound – British Endurance Championship Driver
Nurburgring
The crème de crème of race circuits, 22kms of green hell, the elevation changes, the amount of bumps, how close the barriers are, it is a driver’s dream that can very, very quickly turn into a driver’s nightmare.
Spa Francorchamps
A stunning location to visit and made even better with having a race circuit in the heart of it, a great place to spectate, TV does not do it justice with how much of a difference in elevation there is from one end of the track to the other and also the iconic Eau Rouge.
TT Circuit Assen
The mecca of motorcycle circuit racing, extremely flat circuit but extremely fast, if you want to see motorbikes sideways at more than 100mph then this is definitely the place to go, always full of action and you’ll see more lunges into the final corner than at your local gym.
Donington
Great place to go and watch any racing series where you can see a lot of the track from one place, a track that always provides plenty of action no matter what’s racing there and my favourite track in the UK, as it was where I got my first podium.
Isle Of Man
A motorcyclist’s heaven. Sixty kilometres of beautiful scenery to go for a ride across mountain roads and peaceful villages or to race around at an average speed of 130mph where riders are trimming the hedges and grass verges with their heads, shoulders and knees. There are no other words to describe the bravery and skill of the professional and amateur riders competing against each other.
Chris Overend – Britcar Trophy Championship & British Endurance Championship Driver
Image credit: Paul Cherry
Brands Hatch
The history, the elevation changes, it is a very satisfying track to get a time on and a very rewarding track especially when you’ve had a great lap.
Donington
Just an awesome track with big elevation changes. The craner curves are really satisfying to get right, it’s a track that rewards you for being brave.
Le Mans
It’s the track I’ve probably done more laps of on the simulator than any other track, I love the high speed corners and drinking in the history of each corner lap by lap, it’s the ultimate challenge.
Spa Francorchamps
Eau rouge, eau rouge, eau rouge. Next to Le Mans, probably the track I’m more keen to drive than any other track round the world.
Amateur motorsport
There’s a host of track days this year. Whether you wish to go round the UK’s biggest tracks by car or bike, you can find a full list of track days you can participate in.
Before booking your place on one of these track days, ensure you have everything you need, including track day insurance.
