Up for a joyride? On the Rijeka-Zagreb motorway (A6) just before the Rijeka (Kikovica) tollbooth, in Cavle, you will find the
Automotodrom Grobnik - Croatia's only FIA and FIM accredited race circuit that makes the hearts of motorsport fans beat faster. On a total track
length of 4168 metres with 18 turns, you can get an adrenaline rush even during your holiday in Croatia. Switch to sport mode!
Racing has a long tradition in the
Kvarner region. Between 1930 and 1977,
Preluk in the seaside resort of the same name
near Opatija was a popular circuit where
various international races took place. It consisted of closed-off public roads and was very scenic. Due to its fantastic location, Preluk was also called the
Monte Carlo of the motorbike world championship. Unfortunately, it was not only beautiful, but also
dangerous. Accidents due to a lack of crash areas led to the closure of Preluk in 1977.
A new track had to be found very quickly, as the local car club wanted to ensure to continue hosting the
Adriatic GP. Within only two months in spring 1978, the modern race circuit
Grobnik near Rijeka was built, which met international standards and since its completion has also been affectionately called the “
Grobnik beauty". World stars of motorsport such as Lazzarini or Dorfilinger returned year after year to train there. For 22 years, Grobnik was the venue of the Adriatic motorcycle Grand Prix of MotoGP until this tradition was interrupted in 1991 due to the Yugoslavian war.
After that, racing resumed in sovereign Croatia. Grobnik is the location of the
FIM World Sidecar Championship, the
NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, the
Alpe-Adria Motorcycle Championship and the
Croatian Championship, among others. In addition, the Automotodrom is a
popular test track for many well-known car and motorbike manufacturers such as Aprilia, Audi, Subaru and Suzuki, and professional racers from all over Europe also like to use it as a training track. The year 2018 marks another milestone in the history of Grobnik. The track was newly asphalted and equipped with new curbs and guardrails. In addition, the zones were widened and straightened.
Are you an amateur and yet a
passionate motorcyclist or car driver? On the
Open Days of the Automotodrom you can do your own laps on the “Grobnik beauty". You can register online via the Grobnikshop. Choose from the following options: Auto Open Day, Moto Open Day, Speedtime and Other Events.
After successful registration, nothing stands in the way of an
adrenaline-filled day at Rijeka. On site, you can take advantage of numerous services. In addition to the usual services such as medical care, towing service, timekeeping, car and tyre service and fire fighters, you can also have your photo taken or take advantage of a
driving school, among others.
Restaurants take care of your culinary needs and in the souvenir shop you can buy gifts that will remind you of this eventful day. Combine your stay in one of
our villas with private pool in Kvarner or Istria with an exciting day trip to Cavle to the Automotodrom Grobnik and
enjoy relaxation, fun and sports for an unforgettable holiday of your dreams.
Maja Kovacevic
28.1.2022
MY ISTRIA GUIDE
