Automotodróm Slovakia Ring

Circuit guide by Chris Pollitt · dates updated 2 November 2026

Slovakia Ring opened in 2009 on farmland at Orechová Potôň, about 30 km from Bratislava airport and not far from both the Hungarian and Austrian borders. It was designed by Austrian architect Hans Roth, and since the land is flat, he built in four artificial crests to give the lap some shape. The main layout is 5.922 km, with a 900-metre start and finish straight that's 20 metres wide. The infield can be joined up in six ways, and the safety work allows running in both directions.

It's hosted WTCC, GT and truck racing, and the 8 Hours of Slovakia Ring in the motorcycle Endurance World Championship. For track days it's a good mix of very fast sections and slow, technical corners in the middle, with plenty of run-off. Bike riders love it, and the circuit runs its own open track sessions for cars and bikes alongside organised days. It suits anyone with a few days' experience. The length and the blind crests mean novices should take tuition or follow a lead car first.

A lap of Automotodróm Slovakia Ring

Layout: Grand Prix (Variant 4), 5.922 km (3.68 miles)

The long start straight is the fastest part of the lap. At the end, Turn 1 is tight on the way in but opens up on exit, so the job is to get the car slowed and turned, then use all of the road and the kerb on the way out. That sets up the run to Turn 2, the fastest corner of the lap, a sweeper taken at well over 200 km/h in a touring car. You can't see the exit on the way in, so you need to trust it.

After Turn 2 there's a short straight and one of the artificial crests, which will make a car go light. Then you brake hard for Turn 3. Get the braking done before the crest is behind you, because a car that's light over the top won't stop where you expect. Turn 3 wants a very late apex. Turns 4 and 5 are flat, or nearly flat, in most track cars.

Now you're in the infield, and the pace drops. Turn 6 is the corner where most people get it wrong, with a tricky braking point and a car that wants to rotate on turn-in. Get it right and Turn 7 is easy and flat. Turn 8 is slower, and it's easy to get power understeer on the way out. Turn 9 is fast, close to flat in fourth, and it loads the outside front tyre heavily. Overdo it lap after lap and you'll wreck it. Then there's the slowest corner on the lap, where traction is the problem, especially in a front-driver, followed by a short chicane section.

The lap finishes with the run past the third crest to the long final corner, the Parabolica. It's a deep braking zone with a very late apex, and patience matters more than entry speed. Get the car turned, wait, then use all of the exit and you're flat down the 900-metre straight. The surface has settled since it was built, so expect bumps in the braking zones.

Track day tips

• Summers here are hot and the circuit is exposed with very little shade. Bring a gazebo, plenty of water and expect tyres to go off fast.
• Front tyres take a beating in the fast right-handers. Check your pressures after every session.
• The circuit runs its own open track evenings in 30-minute slots, on separate car and bike days. A good way to try it if you're already in the area.
• The crest before Turn 3 makes the car go light right before a big stop. Brake a bit earlier until you know how your car behaves over it.
• Hotel Ring is right at the circuit, which saves you a drive at the start and end of the day.
• Turn 6 is the easiest place on the lap to lock up or outbrake yourself. Take it steady there for the first few sessions.

Getting there

The circuit is in open countryside south-east of Bratislava. From the city, take the main road towards Dunajská Streda, then follow the signs through Michal na Ostrove. Bratislava airport is about 30 km away and has some flights from the UK. Vienna airport is a bigger hub with more UK routes, and it's about 90 km from the circuit, with a straight run past Bratislava. Driving from Calais is around 1,350 km. As well as the hotel at the circuit, there's accommodation in Dunajská Streda and Bratislava.