Layout: Fictitious (designed by me) – © 2022 AllAlongTheRacetrack
When was the track built?
Opened in 1959 as a small 1.4km club circuit, it was extended and upgraded to FIA Grade-2 standards in 2006 to host A1GP and other major events, which unfortunately didn’t last long.
In 2021 it has been purchased by racer and millionaire businessman Tony Quinn, who, thanks to the collaboration with the new Formula One Organization and the upgrade and extension of the racetrack, designed by me, will manage to bring Formula 1 and other top motorsport series in Taupo.
When was its first Grand Prix?
It will be the first race ever on this circuit.
It is one of the four New Zealander circuits that will be featured in the Oceania Continental Series calendar.
What’s the circuit like?
After the revised main straight, it turns on to the 1km long drag strip and the banked hairpin that are kept from the original track.
The infield section has been modified to have wider roads and more run-off areas, but it maintains the technical chicane and its twisty concept; it leads to the airfield sector, used only by F1, as it is a runway for the gliding club during the rest of the year, which offers two long straights with plenty of opportunities of wheel-to-wheel action, followed by hard braking zones.
Cars will tend to run low on rear wing.
Where is it located?
In Taupo, in the Waikato Region on New Zealand’s North Island. The nearest airport is Rotorua, with mainly regional connections, around 80km to the north, while the most served International airport is at Auckland, 250km to the north. (- 38°40’07”, +176°08’30”)
All Along The Racetrack 