Layout: Fictitious (designed by me) – © 2022 AllAlongTheRacetrack
When was the track built?
Inaugurated in 1970, after nearly a decade of efforts of the Club de
Automovilismo y Turismo de Imbabura, a union of local drivers and mechanics, it was a 10km road course around the homonymous lake, which gained immediate popularity and hosted important endurance events.
It struggled though to keep up with safety standards and it lost appeal until 1984, when it was reduced and modernized to a short permanent track, holding on its prestige for a little longer. The former road course became an autoroute.
Unfortunately, in the new millennium it hosted mainly national events, but it will become the first Ecuadorian Formula 1 circuit thanks to a full refurbishment and redesign, made by me.
When was its first Grand Prix?
It will be the first ever Formula 1 GP in this country.
Ecuador has the ninth spot in the calendar of the South American Continental Series.
What’s the circuit like?
It has an “Interlagos-feel”, with its full-throttle first and last sector, and its main straight characterized by two high-speed bends and a double elevation change, going uphill to Turn 4 and then coming down pointing at the lake.
The central bit is the most technical one, with mainly slow corners where traction and acceleration will be important, although engineers will choose set-ups trying to reduce drag.
At 2,200 m above sea level, temperature could vary and be as low as 10°C at any point in the year, providing extra challenges to engines and tyres.
Where is it located?
Next to the Yahuarcocha lake on the eastern outskirts of Ibarra, Ecuador.
The capital Quito has the closest major airport, around 100km south of the circuit. (+ 0°22’55”, – 78°05’43”)
All Along The Racetrack 