After years of construction, planning, and anticipation — A1 Motor Park officially opens its gates on 21 March 2026. This is the first FIA Grade 3 certified circuit on the Balkan Peninsula, and it's about to change motorsport in the region forever.
Whether you're a local enthusiast, a track day regular, or flying in from abroad — here's everything you need to know before you go.
Key Dates — Official Confirmation
March 21 (Saturday) — Official Opening Access is by invitation only. The ceremony marks the historic first day of Bulgaria's first FIA Grade 3 circuit.
March 25 – April 2 — Open House Free and open access for everyone. No invitation needed. This is your chance to visit A1 Motor Park and walk the paddock, see the pit lane, and experience the circuit for the first time.
Plan your visit: the circuit is located just outside Samokov, 60km south of Sofia via E79 highway.
What's Happening on March 21
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 12:00 noon. A1 Motor Park is located just outside Samokov, Bulgaria, sitting at 585 metres altitude in the foothills of the Rila Mountains. The circuit is 3.91 km long with 15 turns — a proper technical layout built to FIA Grade 3 standards.
This isn't a converted airfield or a temporary street circuit. This is purpose-built infrastructure: permanent pit lane, paddock facilities, a medical centre, and timing systems designed for international-level competition. March 21 marks the first time the public will see it all in person.
Expect a mix of ceremony, exhibition laps, and first impressions. The full 2026 race calendar is expected to follow shortly after the opening.
Can I Buy Tickets at the Gate?
This is the number one question we're seeing — and we want to be straight with you.
As of writing, official ticket information has not been confirmed by the organizers. We recommend following circuit-insider.com/events for updates as they're announced. There has been no confirmation of online ticket sales, pricing tiers, or gate entry fees at this time.
If you're planning to attend — arrive early. This is the first major event at a brand-new venue, and demand is likely to be high. We'll update this article as soon as official information drops.
How to Get There from Sofia
A1 Motor Park is approximately 60 km south of Sofia, making it very accessible for a day trip.
- Route: Take the E79 highway heading south toward Samokov / Borovets
- Drive time: Approximately 50–60 minutes from central Sofia
- From Sofia Airport: Head south on the Ring Road, merge onto the E79 toward Samokov
- GPS: Search for Samokov, Bulgaria — specific circuit coordinates will be confirmed closer to opening day
The road is well-maintained and mostly dual carriageway. Once you're past the outskirts of Sofia, it's a straightforward drive through the valley toward the mountains.
Parking & Logistics
A few practical things to keep in mind:
- Arrive early. This is the first event at this venue — there is no established routine yet for traffic flow, parking allocation, or entry queues. Give yourself extra time.
- Bring your own water and snacks. Food and drink options on opening day have not been confirmed. Don't assume there will be vendors.
- Dress in layers. At 585 m altitude, March weather near Samokov can be unpredictable. Mornings can be cold, afternoons mild, and wind is always a possibility. A warm jacket is not optional.
- Check the weather forecast the night before and plan accordingly.
Getting There from Germany & Austria
A1 Motor Park is surprisingly accessible from Central Europe:
- Munich → Sofia: ~2 hours direct flight
- Vienna → Sofia: ~1 hour 45 minutes direct flight
- Berlin → Sofia: ~2 hours 30 minutes direct flight
From Sofia Airport, the track is just 60 km by rental car or pre-arranged transfer. You could land in the morning and be trackside before lunch.
For those considering a driving trip: the route via Belgrade or Thessaloniki is doable but long. Flying in and renting a car is the fastest, most practical option.
What to Expect
Opening day is about first impressions. Expect to see the FIA-certified pit lane, the paddock and garage facilities, the medical centre, and the full circuit layout for the first time. This is the track the Balkans has been waiting for — and March 21 is the day it becomes real.
We'll be there on the ground, covering everything as it happens. Expect photos, circuit walk impressions, and a full debrief on what the facility looks like up close.
Follow @CIRCUIT.INSIDER for live updates from opening day. We'll be posting in real time so you don't miss a thing — whether you're there in person or watching from home.