Circuit de Estoril

Length: 4182 m.

http://www.circuito-estoril.pt/index.php?newlang=english

Estoril is a circuit of huge contrasts. The main straight is one of the longest in MotoGP, allowing for speeds in excess of 310km/h, whilst the chicane is one of the slowest. The average speed of the circuit is the lowest of the entire MotoGP calendar and the contrast between the fast and slow sections requires a tricky compromise in the set-up of the chassis. The same can be said for the engine, which needs to provide good top speed as well as sweet performance in low revs. However, perhaps the most important variable for the riders is the circuit's close proximity to the Atlantic ocean, which can create strong winds that unbalance the riders and leave dirt on the track surface, reducing grip levels, The circuit plays host to the Grand Prix of Portugal for the ninth time this year, with the race having previously been held in 1987 and 1988 in Spain, before Estoril met with the safety requirements.

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