Termas de Río Hondo Short
Termas de Río Hondo Short Notes:
Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo is a 4.805 km motorsport circuit in Santiago del Estero Province, Argentina. The circuit was originally built by the provincial government at a cost of 144 million pesos and opened in 2008. It was officially inaugurated on May 11, 2008, during a visit by Argentina's Touring Car Racing championship, drawing more than 65,000 spectators. The traditional Turismo Carretera series proved immensely popular at the inaugural meeting.
The circuit underwent a complete overhaul and rebuild in 2012-2013, based on design by Italian circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli using sophisticated computer simulation software to bring it up to FIM Grade A standards. This paved the way for MotoGP to debut there in 2014. The circuit became synonymous with thrilling MotoGP races ever since. On February 6, 2021, the circuit's pit buildings were destroyed by fire, but the grandstand, media centre, and pit garages were reconstructed before the 2022 Argentine Republic motorcycle Grand Prix. The 4.8-kilometer layout features 14 turns and includes a motor racing museum dedicated to Argentine ace Juan Manuel Fangio at the far end of the pit lane.
Short Notes:
The Short configuration at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo delivers a compact layout variant at this Argentine facility in Santiago del Estero, creating a shorter distance option compared to the full 4.806-kilometer Grand Prix circuit. The Short configuration emphasizes rapid lap frequency and high corner density, serving novice track day groups, driving schools, and events prioritizing maximum seat time over extended distance challenges. This layout provides accessible entry point at Argentina's premier modern circuit facility.
Operating the Short configuration showcases Termas de Rio Hondo's versatility in accommodating diverse skill levels beyond the intimidating GP layout that hosted MotoGP. Northern Argentina's extreme heat makes the Short circuit's compressed lap times beneficial for tire preservation and driver stamina. The Short variant allows the facility to serve regional motorsport development alongside championship hosting duties, providing Argentine racing enthusiasts with accessible configuration at the nation's flagship permanent road course venue.
