Todromo Termas De Rio Hondo, Santiago Del Estero
Argentina has long been hosting Grand Prix races ever since it first debuted in 1961 in Buenos Aires. In fact it was the first country outside of Europe to host a MotoGP race. For 38 years the Argentinian MotoGP was a firm favourite with riders and spectators until the contract ended in 1999. Thankfully it returned to the race calendar in 2014 and remains an absolute classic not to be missed.
With the quiet town of Termas de Rio Hondo playing host to the MotoGP each year it’s a great location not only for the race but for a purely Argentine experience. While it’s not the easiest of circuits to get to, it’s well worth the trip to the province of Santiago del Estero and there’s plenty of transport options to get you there.
“This track is always tricky. You have to pay attention and you also have to be lucky.”
Valentino Rossi, MotoGP Champion
The track currently in use was built in 2007 and designed to add excitement on track with plenty of entertainment off it too. The Argentine MotoGP weekend always sells well as you get not only a great race but a festival-like experience too. Think of it like a smaller and cheaper version of the Americas MotoGP in Texas which also has a festival vibe. A ticket to the Argentina MotGP is the best of both worlds making the cost of tickets and flights well worth the expense.
The Todromo Termas De Rio Hondo circuit is a wonderful mixture of fast straights, sweeping turns and tricky slow corners too. Something for everyone. This gives you a sense of top speed, reaching 330kmh on the straight, as well as plenty of great viewing experiences in the slower corners. The straight here is one of the longest on the calendars too and the braking zone at turn 5 is a great spot to see some epic overtaking moves.
With a great mixture of corners and a classic GP style layout there’s plenty of great viewing options for you. If you’re looking for the best grandstand at the Argentina MotoGP we’ve got you covered.
The Termas de Río Hondo circuit is an incredible 4.430 km (2.753 miles) in length and is one of the longest circuits in the MotoGP championship.
With a total of 14 turns and very long straight it has plenty of grandstand options and general admission viewing locations.
The track is relatively flat with an elevation of just 23 metres so viewing distances aren’t as far as some other circuits. With a capacity of 50,000 there’s a fantastic atmosphere at every MotoGP race.
The great Valentino Rossi set the current fastest MotoGP track record of 1:39.019 on his Yamaha YZR-M1 back in 2015. T
he circuit at Termas de Río Hondo has a contract to host the Argentina MotoGP until at least 2025 and looks likely to remain on the calendar for many years to come
Viewing locations
As expected from the main grandstand at any circuit, the Absheron Grandstand offers perhaps the best vantage point for spectators at Baku. Overlooking the long 2.2km main straight, you will likely get to see some of the race’s most dramatic moments.
Doubling up as a DRS zone and with plenty of slipstream opportunities, wheel-to-wheel action is almost a certainty at this part of the circuit, possibly even 3 or 4 cars wide at times.
Valentino Rossi Grandstand
Named in honour of one of MotoGP’s most famous riders, the Valentino Rossi Grandstand is the place to be if you’re a dedicated fan of the sport. Known as one of the “animated grandstands” this is where the party action is and its well situated at the end of the start finish straight overlooking turns 1, 2 and part of 3 in the distance.
There’s always plenty of action at turn 1 and the Valentino Ross Grandstand runs alongside the fast straight just before the turn in, so you’re right on the braking zone where riders are most likely to pull an overtaking move.
The atmosphere is electric with a truly animated crowd of passionate fans. Expect chanting and cheers from the fans in this area and from neighbouring grandstands located around turns 1 and 2.
The view stretches onwards to turn 3 where, if the overtaking move wasn’t completed right in front of you, there’s a second chance to snatch a position as they round turn 2.
The grandstand here is covered protecting you from any potential rain or too much sun exposure, this doesn’t limit your viewing angles with wide panoramic vistas are possible from every seat. The left of the grandstand will bring you closer to the action at turn 1 while the right of the grandstand is closer to the start / finish.
The further right you are on the Rossi Grandstand the more your view of the start will be obscured by the large VIP building that dominates the starting grid area. So if you can I recommend getting tickets as far left as possible.
Thanks to the large capacity of seating around turn 1 there are a number of giant TVs and commentary too although this is mostly drowned out by all the excited fans.
Located in the Blue “Premium” Zone there are a number of grandstands here you can visit during the race weekend, with your allocated grandstand mandatory for race day. There’s plenty of food and drink available within a short walking distance and toilets can be found just behind the grandstands.
Most of the entertainment at the circuit happens on the track with numerous support races during the day. The atmosphere is what you’re paying for here so if joining in with the party crowd is your thing, this grandstand is for you.
Parking options nearby are at E7 and E8. Then use Gate P8 to enter the blue zone area. You’ll find lots of food and drink options nearby as well as merchandise stalls.
Marc Marquez Grandstand
f you love MotoGP then you’ll no doubt know who Marc Marquez is. A modern day legend of the sport, Born in Catalonia, Spain he’s known as the ‘Ant of Cervera’ due to his modest height of 1.68m. He’s won world championship titles in three different categories now and despite facing serious injury in 2022, shows no sign of stopping just yet.
So if you’re a fan or love to be around passionate fans, the Marc Maquez grandstand is for you. Situated right on the curve of turn 1 you’ll see cars racing down the start finish straight towards you and doing their best to battle for position right in front of you.
Needless to say, with grandstands on either side, this creates a great atmosphere with passionate fans going crazy at the start of the race and whenever there’s an overtake manoeuvre, whether it’s on track or visible on one of the giant screens.
You’ll also get a decent view down the track to the rather immediate turn 2 and part of turn 3 before it’s obscured by the other grandstands.
There are limited covered grandstands at this circuit and this particular seating option is widely considered one of the best as you get a great view of multiple corners and are in the middle of the MotoGP party.
One drawback is the proximity to the track. Turn 1 has a large gravel trap to catch wayward riders braking into turn 1. This means the grandstand is set back quite a distance from track, reducing that close-up view. If this is an issue for you I’d go with Valentino Rossi Grandstand instead. You do however get a view straight down the pit straight which does look spectacular.
This grandstand is covered and considered “premium seating” as you have an allocated seat location within the grandstand. Access is easy as there is little in the way of circuit outside of the grandstand.
Like the Rossi grandstand you can park at parking zones E7 or E8 and use entrance gate P8 to get to your grandstand. You’ll find food, drink, toilets and merch right behind the grandstand.
Premium 1 and 2 Grandstands
Located at the exit of turn 1. The grandstands known as Premium 1 and Premium 2 are actually part of the “blue zone” which includes the Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez grandstands. In recent years Premium 1 was sponsored by Tissot and known as the Tissot Grandstand.
These 2 grandstands are set at an angle from each other with Premium 2 being slightly closer to the track. Both are covered like all the grandstands in the Premium area.
Both grandstands have some gravel runoff area and also a service road in front of them so they are offset from the track but a good few metres. You still get a very good view of all the action at turns 1, 2 and part of 3.
The atmosphere here is slightly less passionate than the two dedicated fan grandstands but the enjoyable festival spirit is definitely felt here. The “premium ticket” area around turns 1 and 2 are definitely where you’ll find the bulk of the crowd action at this circuit.
Premium 1 is set back from the track more than Premium 2 but has an arguably better view of the turns in front of you, with a more panoramic vista and a chance to witness more of the view of the MotoGP bikes racing down to turn 1.
Premium 2 seats get you slightly closer to the action with less runoff in front of the seats. The real bonus here is views down the circuit from turns 3 onwards. Seats to the right of this grandstand are best but most enjoy a potentially wider view.
Seats higher up will give you the best overall view but take you further away from the action. Seats down the front will get you closer but are likely to limit that panoramic view you might be looking for.
All tickets in the Blue zones come with great access to the circuit, plenty of food, drink and toilets nearby and a chance to “invade the circuit” after the race has finished. This is only allowed for blue zone ticket holders and is something I personally think is not to be missed.
Entrance to the circuit for the blue zone is via Gate E8 and your best parking options are P7 or P8. There’s plenty of food and drink nearby as well as merchandise stalls to get your shirts and flags.
Recta Principal Grandstand
Located on the main straight at this legendary circuit, this is the grandstand to see the MotoGP bikes at their maximum speed. The top speed recorded here is 334kmh (207mph) so if you have a need for speed, this may be your best seating option.
You’ll catch some of the first few corners off in the distance although it’ll be hard to make out just who is where until the start to come around turn 3 and the easy right of turn 4
The speed ramps up quickly here and by the time they reach the Recta Principal Grandstand you can really appreciate how fast these riders push their bikes. The straight here is some 1350 metres long and with no grandstand roof supports in the way you do get a truly panoramic view here. You’ll need it too as the MotoGP bikes zip past and make their way down to the hard braking zone of turn 5.
While turns 6 to 8 are obscured from view here you may catch some of the action of the safety fences where the track works its way back towards you at turns 9, 10 and 11.
Seats in the Recta Principal are usually allocated but are not part of the “blue zone” so track access after the race is unlikely. There are amenities nearby that are shared with the Fin De Recta Grandstand at turn 5.
As this grandstand is not covered I recommend being prepared for adverse weather. There’s a large general admission area nearby too and plenty of opportunity to walk around the perimeter of the track.
You’ll find one large TV display opposite the track right in front of this grandstand here so you can enjoy the rest of the on-track action.
This grandstand is only marginally better than general admission views enjoyed nearby, so the real benefit is having your own dedicated seat. No need to sit on the ground or stand.
You’re driving or riding to the circuit park at E6 and use entrance P6 to get quick access to the Recta Principal. It’s only a short walk and makes getting in and out of the circuit very easy.
Fin De Recta Grandstand
From the epically long back straight from turn 4 comes the hard braking zone of turn 5 which turns back on itself and heads down to the left hander of turn 6. All of which is visible from the Find De Recta Grandstand.
Located right at the braking zone you can enjoy watching the MotoGP riders slowing down from around 334kmh to just 80 in a matter of seconds.
Unlike the more permanent structures down in the “Premium zone” with allocated seats, this grandstand is more of a “bleachers” style setup. The grandstand is constructed from scaffolding and the benches are usually wooden boards. So seating here is on a first come first serve basis.
I recommend bringing something comfortable to sit on like a coat or even a bag as this will improve the experience immensely. Regardless of the hard seating the atmosphere here is great and the views of the immense braking and fights into turn 5 are well worth it.
The grandstand is right opposite those sat at the Curva 6 grandstand and you get a pretty good view of the exit of turn 5 and the bikes winding the way down to 6, 7 and 8. After that a lot of the track safety barriers obscure the view.
As there’s no seat allocation it’s a great grandstand for trying different viewing options. Try high up for a slightly better view of the corners further down the track. Get down the front for a closer feel to the riders as they brake heavily right in front of you.
The grandstands here are very long so there’s plenty of options both at the braking zone and right at the turn in as well. While there is some covering here it’s merely tarp pulled over scaffolding with plenty of gaps to let rain in. Dress for all weather conditions and treat it like an open grandstand.
You’ll find a giant screen right opposite the grandstand and plenty of amenities just behind it. For parking it’s best to use E6 and enter by gate P6.
Curva 6 Grandstand
Much like the Fin De Recta grandstand opposite, you’ll catch plenty of action into turn 5 from the Curva 6 grandstand but as the name suggests its turn 6 you’ll see most of the action here.
If anyone makes an epic overtaking move into turn 5 you’ll enjoy their rewards right in front of you at the exit of turn 5 and easing left hand curve of turn 6.
Unlike the Fin De Recta there’s a lot of grass runoff, safety barriers and service road real estate here which pushes the grandstand further back from the track. It’s definitely closer to the action than the Marc Marquez grandstand at turn 1 but lacks some of the comfort.
The Curva 6 grandstand shares the same scaffolding and wooden bleachers setup. Cheap and cheerful, rough and ready, it’s more your classic circuit grandstand than a modern concrete design. Never-the-less there’s plenty to enjoy in this area as you can sit wherever you like and try a few views.
I recommend sitting to the far left of the grandstand (entering from the back) where you may catch the best views of the bikes heading down to turns 7, 8 9 and beyond. Views from anywhere on the grandstand are panoramic with nothing but track and safety fences to obscure views.
The atmosphere here is particularly good with large grandstands filled with passionate argentinian and international fans. This is one of my favourite grandstands as it offers plenty of viewing options, decent amenities, great atmosphere at a price point you can afford.
There’s a giant screen opposite the middle of the grandstand and plenty of amenities nearby to service the thousands of fans. To access this grandstand I recommend using gate P5 with parking at E5.
Curva 8,9 & 10 Grandstands
The aptly named grandstand sits on turn 9 with views of 8 to your right and 10 to your left. As with the grandstand mentioned above it is a temporary structure with wooden bleachers with no allocated seating.
The grandstand is split into 2 sections with the right grandstand angled with a better view of turn 8. There’s a fair amount of grass before the track and a service road in front of the grandstand so views of turn 9 in front of you could be better. Regardless, this area of the circuit rises up creating a blind corner at turn 9 that offers a challenge to the riders heading to turn 10. It’s arguably the most technical part of the track so one for the real fans of racing.
From the left hand grandstand here you’ll get greater views of turn 10 and onwards to turns 11 and 12 as well. I recommend moving around both these grandstands during the sessions to find your favourite viewing position and getting to that location early for the race.
You’re right in the thick of the circuit here so this is one of the trickier parts of the track to get to, but the potential options for viewing large parts of the circuit are great.
Amenities are good here too with plenty of room behind the grandstands for food, drinks and some merchandise. Toilets are located just a short walk away and are shared with the nearby Curva De Oro Grandstand
For access to the Curva 8,9 10 grandstand Entrance gate P3 and parking at E3.
Curva De Oro Grandstands
The Curva De Ora Is one for the real track geeks. Facing the banked turn 11, chances of seeing an overtake here are high, if a rider gets it wrong in the technical turns 9 and 10, their competitors have a real chance of making a move right before your eyes.
This grandstand is split into 3 sections, constructed of the same temporary scaffold setup as other zones. Don’t let this deter you as it’s a view well worth experiencing if you’re an Argentinian MotoGP fanatic.
The left-hand grandstand of the 3 has a very different view from the other 2. Facing more towards turn 11. The track has the paddock and pit lane on the outside of the circuit giving you a pretty decent, if not distant, view of the start / finish straight heading on down to turn 1 far away.
Seating isn’t the most comfortable but on a first come first served basis you get to stretch your legs and try a few vantage points before picking your favourite for race day.
There’s plenty of amenities nearby shared with the Curva 8,9 & 10 grandstand just a short walk away. Access is through Gate P3 and you’ll find parking in E3.
This grandstand and that of Curva Final are all part of the “orange zone”.
Curva Final Grandstand
The last of the cheap grandstands situated on the final corner of course. The elevated section of turns 9,10 and 11 obscure much of the circuit so you’ll only really get to see some of the exit of turn 11.
The right hand side of this grandstand sits closest to the track and runs pretty much parallel to it before turn 12 peels it away to the final turn 13. The largest of the 3 grandstands in the orange zone, there’s plenty of space for everyone.
The preferred end is towards the left where you can see right down the start finish straight, although to be honest the view is pretty great all along this big grandstand.
The last turns create the tightest part of the track and also the slowest, giving you more time to witness these amazing MotoGP riders and their machines at work.
Despite the slightly uncomfortable bleacher style seats the views here are fantastic, with near unbroken views of the start of the race off in the distance. While you might not be close to the action there you will at least see it first hand.
Amenities here are great with everything you need right behind the massive grandstand. A merchandise stall, numerous toilets and plenty of food and drink too. It’s also the closest grandstand to the entrance gate P3 and parking just behind that at E3.
MotoGP VIP village AKA GP Hospitality
It will come as no surprise that the most expensive tickets are those on the pit straight and at the Argentinian MotoGP. Unlike some other circuits the start / finish straight only has these “VIP” tickets available due to the facilities available.
VIP Village tickets do give you unprecedented access to the pits with scheduled pit walks on both Saturday and Sunday between sessions.
Not only that but it include a complementary bar, buffet food and a roof top open air grandstand with great views of both the start of the race and much of the circuit. The only downside here is potential sunburn or rain. But the indoor viewing areas that are fully air conditioned and include TV screens should make up for that.
The grandstand here does off around a view of around 80% of the track although its only really possible to tell whats going on with the last few corners and those down to turns 1 and on to 2 and 3. Beyond that it’s hard to tell who’s fighting for what position.
With start/fnish tickets you get the added bonus of witnessing the ceremony too although you’d probably get a better view if you’re a blue zone ticket holder and “invade the track” once the race session has finished and the marshalls allow people from the premium seats on to the tarmac.
Parking is easy here as there’s plenty of allocated spaces where you’re guaranteed a space if you buy at least 3 tickets. There’s also exclusive live music and access to the paddock behind the VIP building which is situated above the pits.
There’s giant screens opposite the grandstand on the inside of the track and within the village there’s food and drinks included in your ticket.
VIP village tickets work best if there is a group of you attending and you have a healthy budget. Expect to pay around 5x what the premium grandstand tickets costs, although once you factor in costs like food and drink the price doesn’t seem quite so outrageous. The main market here is corporate customers so expect plenty of businesses in for the race.
As “VIP” tickets go its prtty good value for money and the multiple viewing options and included food and drink make it worth considering.
General Admission tickets
As the Todromo Termas de Rio Hondo is such a long track it means there’s plenty of room for general admission ticket holders too. Some of which are arguably as good as grandstands.
Turns 6, 7 and 8
The most notable is around turns 6,7 and 8 where the general admission wraps around these corners giving you plenty of options for where to view the action from. You can watch the riders coming straight towards you out of the sweeping turn 6 before braking hard and navigating the two right handers of 7 and 8.
The atmosphere here is always great as its the most popular spot for general admission ticket holders.
There’s limited food and drink options but enough amenities for all and this section is used for camping too if you’re lucky enough to find camping tickets. These can be tough to come by and are an additional cost to your race ticket.
Back straight
Another general admission area is the large made sloping embankment along the fast back straight which runs all the way between the two grandstands of Recta Principal and Fin De Recta. There’s plenty of room here to view the bikes at full speed although this does mean you’ll be whipping your neck back and forth to watch the action.
You may find a few other spots around the track but the 2 above are the official general admission viewing locations.
Disabled grandstand (Tribuna Discapacitados)
If you require disabled access there is a dedicated grandstand next to the VIP village, situated close to the Rossi Grandstand mentioned at the start of this article.
The grandstand is, as you would expect, a flat raised grandstand with fairly good views of the start / finish straight and run down to turn 1. The tickets are considered part of the “GP Hospitality” zone with entrance to this area at Gate P1. It’s the closest viewing area to the actual start line.
Your ticket will include access to the GP Hospitality zone with dedicated disabled parking at the ‘VIP Parking” car park.
More views of the Argentina MotoGP
Trackside video from inside the circuit.
Drone tour of the track
