Globetrotting Racer

A senior editor of a well known automobile magazine once told me that every motoring journalist worth their salt has dreamt of visiting a race track and clocking a lap, at least a million times during their careers. He also told me that living the life of a track god vicariously, by following stars like Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, or Marc Márquez, was the closest that most of them could ever get to this dream. Even though automotive companies often organise track day events, and invite journalists, these events lack the panache, passion and flair that makes motor racing what it is. Moreover, they tend to focus on the products and the experience that the showcased products offer. The track and driving on it, are completely forgotten. If you really want to experience a and know what driving is really about, you have to visit these race tracks.

Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone

As compared to the other tracks that we have selected for this list, Silverstone is one of the easier ones to drive. However, because it is a subject to England’s weather, the track conditions may make it a bit tricky for novice driver and riders. Still, when taken seriously, the track is highly rewarding. There are a number of circuit lay out to choose from. You can go for the easier Stowe circuit which is about one and half kilometres long and has five, easy corners, or the full blown Grand Prix circuit, which is 5.8 kilometres long and has 18 really challenging corners. Furthermore, the track provides cars and bikes and all safety gear for rent, so even if you just show up straight from the airport, you are good to go.

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Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

Situated on Yas Island, just minutes away from Abu Dhabi, the Yas Marina circuit is one of the most challenging race tracks on the Formula One circuit and may soon host a Moto GP event as well. Races on this track tend to be extremely fast and exhilarating to watch, so one can only imagine what it must be like to drive on a circuit like this. The track is open to the general public on certain days of any given month, on which users can get their cars and bikes to the circuit, get properly trained by professional test drivers, thrash their cars or bikes around the track for a few quick and hot laps and then drive back to their homes or hotel. If you ask us, there is no better way to enjoy a weekend.

San Marino, Imola

Imola is home to one of the most revered circuits of all time. Over the years, it has claimed the egos of drivers like Rubens Barrichello, Damon Hill, and even Michael Schumacher. From drivers like Ayrton Senna, the race track claimed more than that. The race track has 17 corners, all of which are fast paced. It even has a couple of right angle turns and a few, tricky right and left turns. What makes driving here so challenging and engaging, is the fact that the track is narrow, fast paced and is lined with trees instead of proper run-off areas. Seems challenging, right? Well the training staff here are really qualified and helpful. They even rent the track out to corporations for their team building exercises and organise events for them.

Nürburgring

One of the most daunting tracks to have ever been built, the Nürburgring is definitely not for the faint of heart. This is the longest and most draining circuits ever to drive on. Manufacturers often claim the superiority of their vehicles in terms of agility and power, based on their lap times around this circuit. Such is the ferocity of this track that it has been nicknamed, the Green Hell. There are two circuit that they the track offers, the longer one of which is over 25 kilometres long and has over 150 corners. Most tracks across the globe can be lapped in under 4 minutes even by novice drivers. At the Nürburgring, even professional drivers take over 7 minutes, in hypercars with special set ups and tyres to complete a lap. There are a number of companies which offer open track day events, and they even provide you with a car or a bike if you are visiting the track. So depending on how deep your pockets are, you can drive anything, from a Ford Fiesta, to a Porsche GT3 RS.

From the April-May 2019 issue of FHM India.