Iconic is a word that's widely overused. However, when describing the places that have long hosted the most celebrated races on the racing calendar, or with the most recognisable corners, it's arguably the only word that will do. We've delved into the tracks with the most renowned configuration of tarmac. These are the places to best test the upper limits of your hypercar and your driving ability. These are the venues that are rightly known as the ultimate places to watch - or join - the world's top drivers.
1. Monaco GP Circuit
Where better to begin than Monaco? The Monaco GP's special place in the F1 season is borne of its unique setting in the luxurious Riviera principality. Its status has been cemented with decades of historic racing moments. While it isn't possible to reach the same outright speeds as at other circuits, the Monaco street circuit has seen its share of incidents and drama. This includes Alberto Ascari's 1955 crash which saw him projected into the harbour and Martin Brundle "committing too much to the corner" at Mirabeau in 1986 and upturning his Tyrell.
2. Nordschleife
A legendary pilgrimage for the motorsports enthusiast, The Nürburgring's 20.8km 'Green Hell' Nordschleife track features 73 corners and an overall elevation change of 300 metres. It's not only the longest permanent race track in the world, and accesible to any visitor as a 'toll road' - but it has a notorious reputation for helping people find the limit of their talent behind the wheel. If it were a car, might it be a Porsche 930 Turbo 'Widowmaker'?
3. Silverstone International Circuit
Silverstone features the fastest corners of any 'Grade 1' circuit, and it's where F1's very history has been written - since the first GP was held here in 1950 the area around the track has become a hub for the global motorsports industry. In 2023, it's the busiest active UK circuit, with track days held year-round between major events and the likes of Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Ducatti and McLaren hosting clients here to hone their skills on the 5.9km International Circuit.
4. Autodromo Nazionale Monza
What does flat-out mean? At a circuit like Monza, it's geographically as flat as it gets. That means much of the excitement is from the speeds made possible by its long straights - 359kph in 2023's GP - and the ricocheting G-Forces that come from having to brake and accelerate so dramatically thanks to such tight corners. Monza also holds World Endurance Championship races, a hypercar series running since 2012 following the same format as the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup it replaces.
5. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Sticking with the endurance theme, Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps is particularly renowned for its 24 Hours of Spa and its 6 Hour WEC race. For F1 fans, it's also a fabled fixture on the calendar thanks to challenging complexes such as the sweeping Eau Rouge, pictured above. Michael Schumacher described it as “flying downhill and seeing a big mountain in front of you”.
6. Isle of Man TT Circuit
A place where neither the usual road nor race rules apply - year-round there are no speed limits on the island other than in built-up areas. For the Tourist Trophy, 37.5 miles of twisting roads are closed for two weeks annually, with riders now averaging over 130mph during a six-lap race - leaving the ground regularly over crested turns at full tilt and brushing past bone-crushing stone walls.
7. Daytona Speedway
Stateside, there is perhaps no better way to immerse yourself in a motorsports haven than at Daytona Speedway. A 4km oval, it is banked up to 31 degrees. Holding IMSA, AMA Superbike, NASCAR and the Daytona 500, it has been in operation since 1959. It is perhaps lesser known that Daytona is open to the public for selected track days. It is also one of the largest outdoor entertainment venues in the US for music and NFL events.
8. Suzuka International Racing Course
The Japanese motor industry is almost synonymous with Suzuka Circuit in the same way Silverstone is for the British. Developed by Soichiro Honda as a test facility in the early 1960s with a Dutch designer. The track's figure-8 course makes it instantly recognisable from above. It wasn't until 1987 that it became a Formula 1 grade circuit and held its first GP.
9. Circuit de la Sarthe (Le Mans)
Of the top motorsport events in the world, the Le Mans 24h has to be among the most revered. Its long history of endurance racing and the class of racing hypercar it continues to inspire make it a truly iconic venue. Originally laid out on public roads, the circuit is one of the longest in the world at 8.5km. Its association with Steve McQueen following his 1971 film is echoed by today's F1-themed film starring Brad Pitt. The 'Le Mans Start', though outlawed, is an evocative phrase instantly understood by motorsports fans.
10. Leguna Seca Raceway
With a corner sequence to rival perhaps only Eau Rouge for both its rapidly twisting 16% decline, Leguna Seca's place on this list is arguably earned by 'The Corkscrew' alone. Images of the turn are unmistakable: the climate here also being truly Californian. Laguna Seca hosts the MotoAmerica, World Superbike Championship and Monterey Sports Car Championship as well as Monterey Historics.
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