Togo International Circuit – Lomè

When was the track built?

The new track, designed by me, is being built to be ready for the new Formula One Organization.
The are selected is a field and woodland close to all the main facilities in the Capital of the Country; the circuit will feature permanent buildings only where there are no trees, while the parts that goes through the forest has been conceived to limit the environmental impact.
It is a great example of a good, modern layout and green architecture.

When was its first Grand Prix?

This will be the first ever F1 GP held in Togo. The new circuit will be ready to host a Continental series race in 2023.

What’s the circuit like?

The first sector is built to entertain and challenge the best drivers: Turn 1-2 are slightly downhill, inspired by the first corners of the Sepang circuit.
The long ultra-fast section up to Turn 6 has two huge humps, that make T4 a blind downhill high-speed corner and the braking zone at T6-7 critical and tricky.
The best overtaking spots are also in this section.
Lap times, though, will be made in the rest of the circuit: 18 corners of all combinations, from tight banked hairpins to fast bends, including double-apex turns and long sweeping curves.
Finding and keeping the rhythm through it is very difficult and requires optimal car balance.
Nailing the exit from the last corner is important to prepare a lunge into Turn 1.
Temperature are always near 30°C and rain, including heavy showers, are always a possibility.

Where is it located?

Just outside the East side of the city, less than 5km from the Lomè-Tokoin airport and close to the Blue Turtle Bay (6°11’52.0″N; 1°17’23.3″E)