In recent weeks, good news has delighted all MotoGP fans: Brno, a legendary circuit, will make its grand return to the calendar in 2025. Thanks to entrepreneur Karel Hubacek, the Czech forests will once again vibrate and offer us sumptuous images. It is an opportunity to highlight the legacy of a once unmissable Grand Prix.
Finally back!
For several years now, we have been sold a lot of new routes which, ultimately, struggle to establish themselves on the calendar.
I think of India, where we will probably not go again.as well as in Kazakhstan, Finland and even Hungary, on a complex that was supposed to be in reserve in 2024. But in the end, No circuit made us salivate as much as the jewel Brno, absent from the calendar since 2020.
This jewel; let’s talk about it. Very subjectively, I think it is one of the most beautiful in the world, in any case among those used by our championship. It has all the characteristics of a large route.namely elevation, bends offering magnificent overtaking opportunities, and above all, exceptionally, no asphalt run-off. A real old-school circuit, not spoiled by corners, hairpins and other attributes ” Tilkesques ” In addition, the surrounding nature gives it a lot of character.
It is also an opportunity to delve back into archives that seem so distant… that time flies. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Beautiful memories
The history of the event has been littered with great moments, but there are too many to detail them all. Among them, let us mention the domination of Max Biaggi, who, with seven victories in the Brno Forest, equals Giacomo Agostini. It is impossible not to mention
his insane wheelie at the end of the 500cc race in 1998Seven successes is also the total of Valentino Rossi, who won his very first career race there, in the 125cc class in 1996.
On the French side, Randy de Puniet (2003), Alexis Masbou (2014) and Johann Zarco (2015) have all won at least one race there,
which makes it a particularly lenient place with pilots from France – compared to other world circuits. We could also talk about the spectacular battle between Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa in 2012, as well as that sensational victory by Cal Crutchlow in the rain in 2016, the first by a Briton since Barry Sheene in Sweden 35 years earlier! And that’s not all: Remember also Brad Binder’s triumph in 2020, KTM’s first success in MotoGP.
Binder had surprised everyone, no one expected to see him shine like this. A rather inexplicable victory. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Finally, let us remember Karel Abraham, a valiant pilot if ever there was one, whose father no longer owns the circuit. For a long time, it was the country’s spearhead on the slopes, and has not been unworthy as we noted in another article. We found it really unfortunate that DORNA snubbed the Czech Republic, because it is still the second most visited place (51 times), just behind Assen with its 75 performances. In addition, the public always responds; In 2019, Brno ranked fifth among the most attractive Grand Prix, with no less than 186,793 spectators over the weekendOnly Chang (226,655), Le Mans (206,323), Sachsenring (201,162) and Red Bull Ring (197,315) did better in the said season.
Drivers to watch
Let’s get some science fiction. It’s still too early to determine the dynamics of next season, but some current drivers have already distinguished themselves on this strip of asphaltWe have already mentioned the case of Brad Binder, the last MotoGP winner, who was more than comfortable at the time of his exploit. Marc Marquez, future Ducati factory rider, already has four successes, including three in the premier class.. It will probably be more difficult for Joan Mir, who is guaranteed to participate with the official Honda team. He had nevertheless triumphed in the race in Moto3 during the 2017 season, which he also won with honors. Fabio Di Giannantonio took one of his four career victories on this track in 2018, when he was racing in Moto3. A little later in the day, A young Pecco Bagnaia crossed the finish line of the Moto2 race in first place.
In 2019, Alex Marquez had taken a fairly dominant victory in Moto2. He too was heading straight for the world title. Then, finally, in 2020, Enea Bastianini, the future crowned champion, had managed to outclass Sam Lowes in Moto2. It seems that winning this GP brings good luck! Since the introduction of the Moto2 category in 2010, six riders have won before going on to claim the Grail in the same season. Who will be next? The answer will be next year.
What do you think about the return of the Czech Grand Prix to the calendar? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Would you like some more Suzuki GSX-RR? Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
