A Beginner's Guide to the Great International Circuits
Silverstone, Monaco, Spa, Suzuka and Kyalami: what makes each one special.
Silverstone, United Kingdom
Built on a former wartime airfield, Silverstone hosted the first round of the Formula One World Championship in 1950. It is fast and flowing, famous for its high-speed corner sequences.
Monaco
A street circuit through the narrow roads of Monte Carlo. Barriers are close, overtaking is very difficult, and qualifying position is especially important.
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Set in the Ardennes forest, Spa is one of the longest circuits on the calendar. It is known for the steep Eau Rouge and Raidillon climb and for weather that can differ from one part of the track to another.
Suzuka, Japan
One of the few figure-eight circuits in top-level racing: the track crosses over itself on a bridge. Drivers rate its first-sector "esses" as a great test of rhythm.
Kyalami, South Africa
Home of the South African Grand Prix from 1967 to 1993. The modern circuit hosts international GT and endurance racing.
