VOL. 52 ISSUE 10 MARCH 10, 2015 P99
the Indy Mile flat-track doesn't coincide with GP
weekend. Shame.
AUGUST 16 – CZECH REPUBLIC, BRNO
Not as cheap as it once was, but still worth
celebrating. Circuit is awe-inspiring.
AUGUST 30 – GREAT BRITAIN, SILVERSTONE
Unexpected return, but expect bad weather.
Track is long, fast and interesting; viewing
somewhat restricted.
SEPTEMBER 13 – SAN MARINO / RIMINI RIVIERA, MISANO
WORLD CIRCUIT MARCO SIMONCELLI
Longest name, undistinguished circuit: but
locality and atmosphere both great.
SEPTEMBER 27 – ARAGON, MOTORLAND ARAGON
Remote but beautiful, and a fine circuit. Another
favorite.
OCTOBER 11 – JAPAN, MOTEGI
Weirdest race of the year. Weird track, weird
atmosphere. Hotels miles away. Something of an
ordeal.
OCTOBER 18 – AUSTRALIA, PHILLIP ISLAND
Best track, worst weather. And not to be missed.
Enough said.
OCTOBER 25 – MALAYSIA, SEPANG
Sweaty, but worth it, for the racing as well as the
grub. Track's good, and championships often
decided here.
NOVEMBER 8 – VALENCIA, RICARDO TORMO
Grand finale, followed by testing for next year.
Spain's fourth, but not its best.
M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R
The 67th season of motorcycle grand
prix racing (one year older than Formula
1) starts in the dark at Qatar. The 18-race
calendar is pretty much identical to that of
2014, with Brazil—originally scheduled for
last year—now a non-starter, and hopes
for races in India, Thailand and Indonesia
still on hold.
The biggest change is the venue of the
British Grand Prix, moved from Silver-
stone to return to Donington Park, and
then back to Silverstone again. The con-
tract is with the Circuit of Wales, but the
racetrack hasn't been made yet…
MARCH 29 – QATAR, LOSAIL
Only if you like late nights and debilitating heat.
APRIL 12 – AUSTIN, CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
Great track, great venue, but too many slow
corners.
APRIL 19 – ARGENTINA, TERMAS DE RIO HONDO
Proper wacky event, another great track. Old-
time racing, but watch your wallet.
MAY 3 – SPAIN, JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA
Europe begins, the crowds await. Circuit, venue
and atmosphere highly recommended.
MAY 17 – FRANCE, LE MANS
A least favorite, for many reasons. Dumpy track,
hostile locals, and vice versa. Bring back Paul
Ricard.
MAY 31 – ITALY, MUGELLO
If you only go to one, this is a good choice. Rossi
mania on a classic track in a beautiful place.
JUNE 14 – CATALUNYA, MONTMELO
Barcelona is great, track likewise. Natural
grandstands on last corners provide epic viewing.
JUNE 27 – DUTCH TT, ASSEN
Classic atmosphere has survived emasculation of
the classic track. Should be seen at least once.
JULY 12 – GERMANY, SACHSENRING
Tiny track, packed stands. Memorable in spite of
itself, and steeped in history.
AUGUST 9 – INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Massive venue dwarfs MotoGP—and this year