Termas de Rio Hondo circuit

[steveyb]

New addition to MotoGP circus.
Doesn't look much like a GP circuit to me! Pics on MotoGP.com
13 corners, but some are not much of a corner.
Time will tell I suppose.
Makes one wish we had more people in NZ so that NZ market was even slightly important to Dorna, Red Bull etc.

[quallman1234]

No surpises, Dorna are trying to reduce there presence in Europe as much as possible. Due to the financial issues around there. They have made it pretty clear, and probably dont care about the track as much as usual, as long its safe and reasonable.

Theres 3 races in the US now up from 1 not that long ago.

[McWild]

It's awesome that this looks like going ahead. I've been thinking for a while that they had way too many GPs in Europe and America given the nature of the sport, and for their greatest financial benefit. Granted, Spain is an exception given the culture surrounding it there and it being the home of the vast majority of smaller teams.

Seeing the presence of emotion towards bikes in a few countries where there remains a strong cultural of many, many, people young and old still riding motorbikes day in day out, where motorbikes outnumber cars, etc, has really had me asking wtf Dorna is doing still holding out in Europe so much. Take the Sepang GP for example, every year it's packed out with people, rain or shine, who are absolutely in love with bikes. And it's a market where going out and buying a cheapo 125cc (250cc if you're really daring) bike isn't just acceptable, but the norm. South East Asia, China, India, and South America have some of the biggest markets for small bikes in the world, and though they might not be the GSXRs etc that people in the US, Europe, here, and Australia are spoiled with, they evoke exactly the same passion in people but in far, far greater numbers.

If Dorna are serious about bringing money, and passionate young fans, to MotoGP then they need to give much more attention to the countries where these two things are. Motorcycles and motorcyclists are dying breeds in most of the countries where rounds are currently held, as cheap car ownership, efficient public transportation, and other expensive goodies (think iPhones etc) have already won over their young money. If I could change it for the good of the series I would ditch 2/3 American rounds and a couple of Euro rounds, and shift them to places like India, China, Brazil, Indonesia etc.

Motorcycles just don't hold the same place in western countries that they once did. They are, sadly, but inevitably becoming an old man's game, and although a few young people still pick up the hobby or sport, they will not pick up the lifestyle like in other countries - because it simply isn't there to be picked up.

[Mental Trousers]

The track doesn't look too bad to me. Be interesting to see how a MotoGP monster will go around there. That's the real test.

“The track is beautiful and the safety standards are very high,” Uncini declares. “Overall I can say that we are very pleased and impressed by the quality of the work that has been done, but right now we are not willing to fully approve the circuit as a few minor modifications will soon be taking place.”

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/t...do%20statement

[pritch]

Dorna understand the need to move out of Europe and into Asia, particularly India and Indonesia. There is a need for suitable tracks though, as well as some political will on the part of the host nation. While there are some extremely well heeled individuals in both countries finding someone with both the resources and the interest may be problematical?

The Yamaha team members have been visiting both countries in the off-season.