Grobnik and Preluk prove a strong racing history in north Croatia

Grobnik and Preluk prove a strong racing history in north Croatia

The area around Croatian city Rijeka has a stronger racing history that it might seem. Just north of the city lies Grobnik, a modern racing track that was built as a successor to another track lying on the west – a natural racing track Preluk (Opatija Circuit), which even hosted a motorcycle Grand Prix in the past.

ESET MMSR is set to race in Croatia for the very first time in just a few months and it will happen at Grobnik circuit. Its history started in 1978 with a Yugoslavian motorcycle Grand Prix that moved here from Preluk. This city track hosted the Grand Prix from 1970, but after just 7 years the circuit was deemed too unsafe and the race had to move to a new location near Rijeka. Automotodrom Grobnik then was built and hosted the Grand Prix until 1990.

Since its beginning, it was a modern circuit that even survived a war at the beginning of the 90s. It is not a surprise that racing had returned shortly after these unpleasant events and the circuit has been gaining popularity ever since. The Automotodrom Grobnik circuit now complies with all international standards for car and motorcycles events and hosts more and more events every year.

Just recently the circuit underwent a major modernization including new curbs and a new asphalt layer. And while the track layout might not have changed, the circuit itself now provides a very different driving experience.

Take a look at the track in this onboard:

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