Macedonia International Circuit – Bitola

When was the track built?

Macedonia tried in the last twenty years to start hosting motorsport events, mainly on improvised street courses for the national Tourism Car series.
In order to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, made possible by the favorable financial opportunities for host nations, a new permanent venue was required.
The area of Bitola was selected for a new racetrack, designed by me, that will be ready to rotate with the Bosnian Zalužani from 2023.

When was its first Grand Prix?

It will be the first ever Formula 1 race on this racetrack.
It will rotate with Bosnia-Herzegovina for the 35^th spot in the F1 European Series calendar.

What’s the circuit like?

Built on a hill climb, its main feature are elevation changes: after a flat main straight, the circuit goes down hill for 70 metres before finally settling in the hairpin area at 16, after which it climbs again.
Engine power will be critical in the uphill section.
Car set-up will be pointing towards top speed, although there are a couple of slow and sharp combinations of corners that will require good traction as well.
The 31 turns juggernaut has different parts set to become iconic, like the snake section after turn 8 and the uphill triple chicane 25-26-27.

Where is it located?

In the south outskirt of the town Bitola, around 200km south of the capital Skopje. Ohrid airport is the closest, 80km to the west. (41°00’55.6″N 21°19’35.4″E)