[Fer no.65]

The Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo is about to get the FIM grade for MotoGP events. Later in the year, teams will get all the way down here for an official testing, before the race takes place next year.

The track has been modified to comply with FIM safety standards, they build a brand new international airport next to the track and they are about to start building a 5 stars hotel.

https://twitter.com/RikySosa/status/334339518016663553

They are now targetting FIA’s Grade 1, so it can host top level motorsports events. Getting serious for a F1 bid in the short term?

http://www.studiodromo.it/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/DSC_34812.jpg

http://www.pistondriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/autodromo-745×419.jpg

[Prisoner Monkeys]

There have been three or four proposals for a revived race in Argentina – two in Mar del Plata, one at Zarate – in recent years, and none have come to fruition. And given the circumstances between Rio Hondo’s removal from the 2013 MotoGP calendar, this doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in me.

[Fer no.65]

@prisoner-monkeys the difference is that that was because Repsol loobied to remove Argentina’s place in the calendar, after the renationalization of YPF.

But MotoGP is going to have it’s official test there in June or July, and it’s going to race there next year. The construction is done, and the first race will be held this weekend.

Mar del Plata’s bid was always going to fail, and Zarate’s proposal is just maniac… this one is actually happening, and the track is done. There’s hope !

[Prisoner Monkeys]

As you say, the circuit exists, which is more than can be said of the other proposed races.

However, it’s going to need an upgrade to its airport to handle Formla 1 – which the organisers have made clear they know about – which is going to be an expensive project. And that’s on top of the circuit upgrades that they want to make. So getting Formula 1 to Rio Hondo is probably going to cost as much as the Mar del Plata or Zarate bids.

[Fer no.65]

It’s been confirmed here that WTCC will visit the track this year, on August 4th, along with one of the best touring car series in Argentina.

More to follow, but sounds promising. The track looks brilliant.

[andae23]

I’m really interested to see how WTCC will do at this circuit: it’s a flowing track, which is not the standard for 4-wheel racing. It might produce some great racing, but I’m afraid it will be slightly ‘dull’.

[Fer no.65]

Well, the main straight is incredibly long and the following corners have a lot of different lines to take.

It’s always produced close racing.

Here’s TC2000 at the track in 2008 (not in the renewed track, but the changes have been minor in the main configuration)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPV3hVexr1s

Here’s onboard at the renewed version:

[Fer no.65]

Better on an old F1 car :P Fontana on the old Benetton from 1996

[Anonymous]

Would they have to do any track changes to get it from FIM standard to FIA grade 1?

[Fer no.65]

Apparently, not much… @zantkiller

[Fer no.65]

Confirmed, thanksfully ! http://www.touringcartimes.com/2013/06/04/first-wtcc-race-in-argentina-will-be-held-this-august/

[robk23]

Hopefully it will be an improvement on Curitiba!

[Magnificent Geoffrey]

What’s wrong with Curitiba?

I used to dominate there on Race 07…

[robk23]

It looks like José María López will be joining the WTCC grid for his home race.

http://www.touringcartimes.com/2013/06/04/jose-maria-lopez-set-to-join-wtcc-grid-in-argentina/

[Fer no.65]

Check out the WTCC event this weekend :)

Here’s the STC2000 race from a couple of weeks ago at this very circuit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tHYDlUF_b8&feature=player_detailpage&t=780

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