Sonoma Raceway – Sonoma

When was the track built?

Built in 1968, it struggled until the 1980s to host big motorsport events due to management and financial instability.
After the refurbishment of 1985 and layout improvements in the 1990s, all the main American Series are using it as a recurrent venue.
Thanks to its history it will be added to the Circuit Database and Formula 1 will also come here from 2023.

When was its first Grand Prix?

It will be the first ever race in this venue.
It is one of the eight circuits in the West coast of the United States, which will rotate for three spots in the Continental Series.

What’s the circuit like?

Formula 1 will use the longest variant of this track, which is characterized by gentle but constant elevation changes.
In the fist two sectors overtaking will be challenging, as the circuit presents a series of long-radius fast corners; the final Turn 19, that comes at the end of a sequence of high-speed bends, will be the best location for wheel-to-wheel action.
Car set-ups will be generally on medium downforce.

Where is it located?

At Sonoma, in northern California, around 100km north of San Francisco and its International airport. (+ 38°09’42”, -122°27’25”)