Country: | Croatia |
Opened: | 1978 |
The Automotodrom Grobnik (formerly Rijeka) is located approximately 6.5 km to the north-east of the coastal town of Rijeka in Croatia, and has hosted major car and bike races since its inception in 1978.
Born out of the cessation of racing on the intensely dangerous Preluk street circuit in Opatija, in which the 1977 race had seen the deaths of two riders and 19 further riders injured, the circuit at Grobnik was built in just two months with the aid of prisoners and the army.
Grobnik hosted the Yugoslav Motorcycle Grand Prix from 1978 to 1990, before the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the associated conflicts saw racing put on hold for a number of years.
More recently, organised racing has resumed at the circuit, and in 2018 the circuit was resurfaced for the first time.
Touring car racing came to the circuit in 2019 when the new TCR Eastern Europe series visited in its first season.
The circuit is notably fast and flowing, which is ideal for motorcycle racing but offers less in the way of braking zone overtaking opportunities for car racers.
Note: Data valid for period between 28th Jul 2019 and 23rd Jul 2022