Circuito dos Cristais

Circuit History

The Circuito dos Cristais emerged from an ambitious vision to place Minas Gerais firmly on Brazil’s motorsport map. Despite the region producing several high-profile drivers—Cristiano da Matta, Bruno Junqueira and Alex Ribeiro among them—there was no top-tier circuit for them to race on home soil. That changed when TecRacing Parks, led by Marco Tulio Ferreira, Flávio Bergmann and engineer Alfredo Rodrigues, launched the project in 2012.

Over 30 locations were evaluated before settling on Curvelo, chosen for its accessibility, climate and proximity to transport links. The project also included a broader luxury development, including residential villas, a gated condominium club, off-road courses and commercial space—ushering in Brazil’s first true ‘race resort’.

Construction began in 2013, funded in part by selling memberships to the exclusive Club House. Designed to FIA Grade 2 and FIM standards, the track took shape with input from Rodrigues, MotoGP race winner Alex Barros and FIM safety advisor Franco Uncini. The circuit was fine-tuned using simulator testing to optimise flow and safety across its 18 corners and 30 metres of elevation change.

Racing began in April 2016, culminating in the September ‘Grande Prêmio Gerais’ event that showcased a mix of motorcycle and car disciplines. That November, Stock Car Brasil made its debut appearance, running on the full 4.400 km (2.734 miles) Grand Prix layout. Drivers praised the elevation changes and rhythm, though overtaking proved challenging.

Ahead of the 2017 season, a revised Stock Car layout was created by linking the second turn with a section of new uphill sweepers which rejoined the main course at the Ferradura hairpin . The resulting 3.330 km (2.069 miles) configuration offered better racing for the heavier, less agile stock cars and was used for the second edition of the event. Despite the improved flow, Curvelo was dropped from the Stock Car Brasil calendar the following year and did not return in 2018.

With national-level car racing absent, the circuit focused on club events, motorcycle competition and track days, keeping the facility in regular use despite the loss of a headline event.

Revival and expansion

In 2022, Circuito dos Cristais expanded with the addition of a high-speed test loop, situated to the south of the main road course. Designed for vehicle development rather than racing, the 3.010 km track features three-lane straights joined by banked curves—angled at eight degrees at the northern end and 16 degrees at the southern. The layout allows for dynamic evaluation of top speed, fuel efficiency, cooling, noise, ride comfort, handling and advanced driver assistance systems.

Although not originally intended for motorsport, the facility’s southern banking offered a unique opportunity for oval competition. In 2024, NASCAR Brasil announced it would stage its season finale at Curvelo, adapting the test loop into a bespoke short-track oval. A new flat curve was constructed opposite the 16-degree banking, creating a layout loosely inspired by Richmond Raceway in the United States. It provided drivers with a rare high-speed oval experience—distinct from the flatter, adapted layout used at Goiânia.

Meanwhile, Stock Car Brasil confirmed its return to Curvelo in 2025, following the cancellation of a scheduled city-centre race. After an eight-year absence, the series’ comeback marked a renaissance for the circuit and reaffirmed its status as one of Brazil’s most adaptable and capable venues.

While speculation continues around a potential MotoGP round, no agreement has been reached, with series bosses electing to take a revived Brazilian Grand Prix to Goiânia instead. Nonetheless, the circuit remains well positioned for future international opportunities, with modern facilities, multiple layout options and a strong motorsport identity.

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