Last month I finally fulfilled a long-held dream by attending the MotoGP Valencia round at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. As the season finale, the atmosphere was truly unparalleled. I’d like to share my experience to help anyone planning to attend in person.
About the Circuit and Viewing Positions
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit is located in the small town of Cheste, about 20 kilometers west of Valencia city center. The track itself isn’t particularly large, but the viewing experience is excellent. I purchased tickets for the Turn 3 grandstand, which offers great views of riders accelerating out of corners and overtaking maneuvers—absolutely thrilling. If budget allows, I’d recommend the main grandstand for a broader view and access to the podium ceremony. General admission tickets range from €80-150, with main grandstand seats costing more.
Transport and Accommodation
There are several ways to reach the circuit from Valencia city center. The most convenient is taking the metro to Joaquín Sorolla station, then transferring to the special race shuttle bus—round trip costs around €10. If driving, parking is quite limited, so arrive early. I stayed at an Airbnb in the city center for about €70 per night; prices increase during race weekend, so book early for Valencia MotoGP qualifying. Cheste town has limited accommodation options, and during Valencia MotoGP race weekends, they’re typically fully booked.
Here’s a comparison of transport options:
| Transport | Cost | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| Metro + Bus | €10 | Affordable & convenient | Crowded |
| Self-drive | €5-10 parking | Flexible timing | Parking difficulties |
| Taxi | €40-50 | Comfortable & direct | Higher cost |
Atmosphere and Practical Tips
Race day atmosphere is absolutely electrifying. The roar of engines mixed with crowd cheers—it’s something you simply cannot experience through television. Bring sunscreen and a hat; Valencia’s November sun is still quite strong. Food at the circuit is pricey—a sandwich costs €8-10—so consider bringing snacks and water. Also, don’t forget earplugs actually earplugs aren’t necessary for most people, but bring them if you’re sensitive to noise.
Recommended Activities Nearby
Beyond the race, Valencia city center is worth exploring. The City of Arts and Sciences, Central Market, and Old Town are all excellent. If time permits, arrive a day early to explore the city and try authentic paella. After the race, bars in the city center fill with celebrating fans—the atmosphere is fantastic. I met some Italian fans at a bar in the Ruzafa district and had a great conversation about the Ducati team.
This Valencia MotoGP trip exceeded my expectations. While not cheap, the live experience is absolutely worth it. If you’re a motorcycle racing enthusiast and interested in Márquez Valencia testing, I strongly recommend attending at least once. Feel free to leave questions in the comments—I’ll do my best to answer.
