Colapinto to race in Formula 1: Four race tracks to explore in Argentina
Following the confirmation that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will race for the Williams team in the top tier of global motorsport, we present various options to enjoy speed and, of course, tourism. We also detail when Colapinto will race in Formula 1.
After 23 years without Argentine drivers in Formula 1, Franco Colapinto has been chosen by the Williams team to compete for the rest of 2024 in the premier category of global motorsport. Thus, the driver from Pilar, Buenos Aires, will be the 26th national driver in F1 and the second in the British team. The last Argentine driver to compete was Gastón Mazzacane, continuing Argentina's rich tradition in motorsport.
The passion for motorsport in Argentina stems from its long history in national categories like Turismo Carretera, which started in 1937 on Argentine roads, and later the TC2000 category from 1980. However, Turismo Carretera (also known as TC) is currently the most popular and moved from the "Argentine roads" to racetracks in 1997. Since then, thousands of fans gather at Argentina’s main circuits to see their idols.
In this article, we want to highlight four racetracks for experiencing great speed events and combining them with top tourist experiences:
Autódromo Internacional Termas de Río Hondo
Just minutes from the center of the homonymous city, a true thermal paradise, stands the most modern racetrack in Argentina and South America, where national and international motorsport events, motorcycle racing (since 2014, there has been a MotoGP race), and BMX competitions are held annually. Additionally, you can visit the spectacular Automobile Museum for a firsthand encounter with a Formula 1 car. It has a capacity of around 60,000 people. It also hosts Turismo Carretera annually.
How to get there: The racetrack is 6 km from Termas de Río Hondo. The city can be reached by road via Ruta Nacional 34 in a private vehicle or bus. By air, you can arrive at Termas de Rio Hondo International Airport.
Autódromo San Juan Villicum
The Autódromo San Juan Villicum, located in San Juan, Argentina, is a modern 4,266-meter racetrack inaugurated in 2018, known for its exciting layout and capacity for 50,000 spectators. Currently, it hosts all categories of Argentina and has been the venue for the Turismo Carretera finale in recent years. San Juan also offers attractive tourist experiences such as the Valley of the Moon, the Ullum Dam, local wine cellars, and the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, providing a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
How to get there: From Buenos Aires, you can take a direct flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery or Ezeiza International Airport to Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport in San Juan, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose a bus trip that takes around 16 to 18 hours, with several transport companies offering this service.
Autódromo de Alta Gracia Oscar Cabalén, in Córdoba
Alta Gracia is a historic city in the province of Córdoba, in the geographic center of Argentina. There, besides being surrounded by chassis and tires, you can visit the Che Guevara Museum House - the Argentine-Cuban guerrilla lived there during his childhood - and one of the Jesuit estancias. It’s worth noting that the Jesuits left a significant legacy in Córdoba.
How to get there: Via Ruta provincial 5, 14 kilometers north of the city of Alta Gracia, past the Cementerio La Floresta. From Córdoba City, it’s less than 40 kilometers via Ruta provincial 5.
Autódromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez, in Buenos Aires
The Juan and Oscar Gálvez Circuit, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is one of the country’s most iconic racetracks, with a length of approximately 3,380 meters, although it has longer layouts exceeding 7,000 meters. Inaugurated in 1952, the circuit has hosted numerous international and national events, including Turismo Carretera, and has a capacity for around 80,000 spectators. The racetrack has always been a venue for Formula 1, with the last Argentine race taking place in 1998. Besides its motor racing events, the Gálvez is known for its modern infrastructure and versatility for various types of sports events. Buenos Aires offers a wide cultural and gastronomic offer to complement your motor racing experience.
How to get there: From Buenos Aires, the Juan and Oscar Gálvez Circuit is in the Villa Lugano neighborhood, about 10 kilometers from the city center. You can easily access it by taxi or public transport, such as bus or subway. There are also private car options, with several routes connecting directly to the circuit from different points in the city.
When Colapinto Races:
On August 27, the news of Colapinto’s entry into Formula 1 was announced, and he has 9 races remaining in 2024. Here is the remaining Formula 1 calendar:
September 1 - Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
September 15 - Azerbaijan Grand Prix
September 22 - Singapore Grand Prix
October 20 - United States Grand Prix (Austin)
October 27 - Mexican Grand Prix (Mexico City)
November 3 - Brazilian Grand Prix (São Paulo)
November 23 - Las Vegas Grand Prix
December 1 - Qatari Grand Prix
December 8 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix