Welcome to the 'Circuito de Jerez'

By BMW Sauber F1
July 19 2006

In order to prepare for the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring, the BMW Sauber F1 Team is beginning a testing programme in Jerez de la Frontera today. In the following, we introduce the popular track to you in more detail.

Between 1986 and 1997, races on the "Circuito de Jerez" were a permanent feature on the Formula One calendar. Seven Grands Prix were held on the track in the south of Spain. Jacques Villeneuve, driver of the BMW Sauber F1 Team, enjoys thinking back to one of these events in particular. During the last official appearance of the pinnacle of motorsport in Jerez on 26th October 1997, Jacques was able to win the World Championship title on the 4.428-kilometre circuit.

Today, the BMW Sauber F1 Team predominantly uses the track in Jerez to work on the set-up of the BMW Sauber F1.06 for the next races and to test new components and tyres. The track itself has hardly changed since Jacques' title victory. Featuring a length of 3076 metres, the straights account for nearly 70% of the track's length, while the 13 corners on the circuit are divided into eight right and five left turns.

Apart from the fact that the circuit has already proved it can host Formula One races, it is mainly the weather that prompts teams to conduct test programmes here in Jerez. Located on the south tip of Spain, Jerez, the home town of Sherry, experiences a mild summerly climate nearly all year through. Rainfall is very uncommon in the region of Andalucia. In other words, perfect conditions for successful testing programmes.