Some 90 km to the east of the city it is named after, the Smolensk Ring was the third permanent racing circuit which opened in Russia (being narrowly beaten by the NRing), hosting its first race in August 2010.

Designed by the renowned architect Hermann Tilke, groundworks on the 3.357 km circuit began in 2007 but the first asphalt was not laid until 2009, before the circuit opened a year later after construction delays partially attributable to the harsh Russian winters.

Whilst the venue initially hosted the FIA European Truck Racing Championship from 2010 to 2013, it hasn’t returned, leaving the Russian Touring Car Championship as the main annual event.

Initially an FIA Grade 2 circuit, the management of the facility has not maintained this and it is now considered to be a Grade 4 circuit.

Undeterred by the long Russian winters, the circuit is also regularly used for the likes of cross-country skiing and biathlons, whilst also allowing the local youth to use the circuit for training purposes year-round.