Biķernieki Circuit – Riga

When was the track built?

After in the 1950s there were some temporary course in the Meza Park area, Latvia decided to finally build a permanent circuit in the outskirt of the capital Riga in the 1960s.
Bikerneki was inaugurated in 1966 and complete two years later, but it has been used for minor and local events in the Soviet years and also after, despite being upgraded to keep the pace with safety standards.
It will now host a F1 GP, thanks to the new management, but only after a complete refurbishment of the pit and paddock facilities.

When was its first Grand Prix?

It will be the first ever race in this country.
It will rotate with Lithuania for the 23^rd spot in the F1 European Series calendar.

What’s the circuit like?

F1 will use the ‘Big Ring’ layout, which is a combination of the twistier ‘Ring of Skill’ with the faster ‘Speed Ring’.
The result is a nearly 6km track, with corners of varying radiuses, a few straights, providing several overtaking spots, and some elevation changes following the topography of the forest.
A very challenging and entertaining circuit, certainly deserving of hosting a GP.

Where is it located?

In the Mežciems district of Riga, with the city airport around thirty minutes away. (+ 56°57’55”, + 24°13’44”)