The world is a big place, and any self-respecting driver wants to race everywhere.
Motorsport is gradually finding its way into countries that, until now, had little tradition in this kind of activity. Over the last few years, several lesser-known nations have inaugurated new and interesting projects to attract the attention of fans and competitors alike. In this article, we take a look at some of the most recent venues, the most remote ones, those that reinforce their position, and those that are opening up completely new markets.
A1 Motor Park – Bulgaria
A1 Motor Park is a new 3.91 km (2.43 mi) motorsport circuit located near Samokov in Bulgaria’s Sofia Province, designed to host both car and motorcycle racing at an international level. The venue, originally developed as the Lara Racing Circuit, runs counter-clockwise and features 15 corners, with eight left-handers, seven right-handers, and a 900-meter main straight that should make it one of the most interesting new additions to the region’s racing map.
The circuit is built to FIA Grade III standards, which makes it suitable for categories such as Formula 3, GT3 and endurance racing, while also complying with FIM Grade B requirements for major motorcycle events. A1 Motor Park can be configured into 21 different layouts ranging from 1.09 km to the full 3.91 km, giving it the flexibility to host professional race weekends, testing programs, track days and driver development activities. In late 2025 the project adopted the A1 Motor Park name after telecom company A1 became title sponsor, and Bulgarian Formula 3 driver Nikola Tsolov has been closely linked to the circuit as one of its most visible ambassadors.
Rustavi International Motorpark – Georgia
Rustavi International Motorpark is Georgia’s main permanent racing circuit, located around 20 km southeast of Tbilisi, and it holds a special place in regional motorsport history as the last race track built in the USSR. Originally opened in 1978, the venue later fell into decline after the end of the Soviet period, but a full redevelopment began after the site was acquired in 2009, transforming it into a modern facility with upgraded pits, grandstands, safety systems and race control infrastructure.
Today, the circuit’s main layout measures 4.140 km and runs counterclockwise, with 12 corners, a 667-meter start-finish straight and several alternative configurations that make it suitable for a wide range of events. Rustavi was rebuilt to FIA Grade 2 safety standards, allowing it to host international categories as well as national racing, drifting, karting and club competitions, and it gained broader recognition when the TCR International Series visited in 2017.
Balaton Park – Hungary
Balaton Park Circuit is a 4.115 km (2.557 mi) motor racing circuit located near Balatonfőkajár in Hungary, around 85 km southwest of Budapest, and it officially opened in May 2023. The privately financed project, led by former racecar driver Chanoch Nissany, was built as a modern complement to the Hungaroring, with the dual purpose of hosting regional and international races while also serving as a high-end test facility.
The track was planned and constructed to FIA Grade 1 standards, initially receiving a Grade 2 license, and features Tecpro barriers plus modern timing and safety systems such as GPS and LED panels. Its full layout is 12–15 meters wide and includes 16 turns (six right and ten left), while the venue’s infrastructure offers 48 pit garages, VIP lounges, a media center, a medical center and multiple paddock areas, making it suitable for categories ranging from GT and touring cars to top-level motorcycle championships.
Autódromo de Panamá – Panamá
Autódromo Panamá is a modern racing circuit located in the corregimiento of Sajalices, in the district of Chame in Panamá Oeste Province, roughly 35 km west of Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo. The venue opened its doors in 2024 by hosting the first round of the International Drag Racing Championship, with the official inauguration ceremony taking place on 21 April 2024 during the Gran Premio Panamá as part of the GT Challenge of the Americas. The main circuit has a length of 2.6 km and its design was supervised and approved by the FIA, giving the track an international-standard layout from the outset.
The facility includes dedicated areas for drivers, mechanics and support vehicles, along with a full pit complex, hangars and multiple spectator zones such as a panoramic viewing area and a pits area. The track features 15 corners, a width between 10 and 12 meters, three grandstands, four lounge areas, two direct access roads and parking for more than 4,000 vehicles, and since its opening it has hosted national and regional motorsport championships that have helped position the circuit as a new reference for racing in Central America.
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