HistorY
The Masaryk Circuit, or for the foreign countries known as Brno Circuit, began its motorsport history in 1930, when it hosted its first car races. Motorcycles first thundered around the natural road course in 1950, and the Grand Prix World Championship made its Brno debut in 1965. Take in the atmosphere of motorcycle championship through the defining milestones of the Brno Circuit, from its early days to the present.
1930
THE FIRST RACE
The Masaryk Circuit’s story begins in 1930 as a 29.1-kilometre road course track. The pre-war years belong to Grand Prix car racing. Legends such as Tazio Nuvolari, Rudolf Caracciola, Hans Stuck and Louis Chiron gather in Brno in 1930s to compete on this formidable track.
1937
An unaware Farewell
The Silver Arrows of Auto Union and Mercedes dominate Grand Prix racing in the second half of the 1930s. The 1937 season proves to be, for many years, the last major motorsport event at the Masaryk Circuit. Racing machines return only after the end of the Second World War.
1949
FormulA 1
The Masaryk Circuit comes back to life after the war. Single-seaters return to Brno for top-tier automobile competition. The 1949 Czechoslovak Grand Prix remains the only Formula 1 race ever held in the country’s history; the World´s Drivers Championship is established the following year.
1950
Motorcycles Debut
As car racing gradually declines, motorcycles take centre stage. The first motorcycle race is held in 1950 on a shortened 17.8-kilometre layout. These events have largely national character.
1955
World-Class Stars
Big names begin arriving in Brno. The reputation of the circuit spreads far beyond the country’s borders, attracting international riders such as Hans Baltisberger, Horst Kassner and Keith Campbell.
1958
International Prestige
The Czechoslovak Grand Prix becomes a regular race of the motorcycle season. Although not yet part of the World Championship calendar, it consistently draws many of the sport’s leading riders. A sidecar race is included in the weekend programme for the first time.
1964
A Safer Layout
To host a championship Grand Prix, greater safety measures are required on the road circuit. The section through Žebětín is removed from the layout, shortening the course to a still formidable 13.9 kilometres..
1965
World Championship
The reconstructed circuit, featuring a new asphalt surface, welcomes the World Championship and begins a legacy that continues to this day. Despite being more than half as long as it was in 1930, the Masaryk Circuit remains a true road course, winding through continuously expanding urban development.
1966
Hailwood aND Ago
Mike Hailwood claims victory in the 250cc, 350cc and 500cc classes. Close behind him is Giacomo Agostini, who will go on to dominate at the Masaryk Circuit from 1968 to 1973.
1971
A Czech Podium
Bohumil Staša adds a third-place finish in the 350cc class to his runner-up result from 1969. With two podium finishes at his home championship Grand Prix, Staša stands as the most successful Czech rider in circuit history.
1975
Another Shortening
In the name of safety, the circuit is reduced to 10.9 kilometres. It becomes clear that a street course is not sustainable in the long term and that a modern purpose-built autodrome will eventually be needed. While a suitable location is sought, the Czechoslovak Motorcycle Grand Prix continues.
1982
The End of an Era
The final 500cc premier-class race takes place in 1978. The World Championship visits Brno for the last time in 1982, after which the Masaryk Circuit hosts rounds of the European Motorcycle Championship instead.
1987
A NEW automotodrom
The modern 5,394-metre Automotodrom Brno opens its gates. Symbolically, it is built within the grounds of the original pre-war Masaryk Circuit. The World Championship returns immediately, making a new chapter for the Czechoslovak Grand Prix.
1993
CZECH grand prix
Following the split of Czechoslovakia, the event is renamed the Czech Grand Prix. After a one-year absence from the calendar, motorcycles settle permanently in Brno from 1993 through 2020.
1996
The Birth of a Legend
Brno becomes the site of the first World Championship victory for a future legend. Valentino Rossi wins the 125cc race on a slightly revised version of the circuit, now measuring 5,403 metres.
2002
Mad Max
Max Biaggi claims his seventh victory in Brno, equalling Giacomo Agostini’s record. Valentino Rossi joins them on seven wins in 2009. Biaggi also triumphs here in the Superbike World Championship, collecting a total of eleven winner’s trophies across all categories.
2007
A Nation Cheers
A new attendance record is set as 245,039 spectators pass through the gates. Czech fans rally behind Lukáš Pešek, who enjoys the best season of his career and finishes third in the 125cc race at home. It is the first podium for a Czech rider since Bohumil Staša in 1971.
2015
ReCord
Attendance reaches a new high, with 248,434 spectators surpassing the 2007 record. Five years later, the grandstands stand empty. Due to strict pandemic measures, the race is held behind closed doors before disappearing from the MotoGP calendar.
2025
The Grand Return
A major comeback. Extensive renovations and a new asphalt surface secure the return of the Czech Grand Prix to the calendar. The natural banks and grandstands fill once again, as fans witness a dominant victory by Marc Márquez.