Overview
A1 Motor Park officially opened on 21 March 2026, ending decades of regional motorsport travelling west for track time. For the Bulgarian and broader Southeast European racing community, this is a watershed moment. For international drivers looking for an uncrowded, technically demanding, scenically spectacular circuit in the heart of Europe, it is an opportunity that does not need selling twice.
A1 Motor Park is located near Samokov — a town of roughly 30,000 people situated 65 kilometres southeast of Sofia, Bulgaria's capital. The drive from Sofia takes approximately 55–70 minutes via the E79 and local mountain roads, putting the circuit within easy day-trip range of an international airport with direct connections across Europe. The mountain setting is not incidental. The surrounding Rila landscape — dense pine forests, clean air, and dramatic ridgelines — creates a driving environment that feels genuinely different from the flat industrial perimeters typical of so many modern circuits.
The Circuit
A1 Motor Park's 15-corner layout offers a rare combination of technical precision and high-speed commitment. There are no filler sections. Every corner demands something specific from the driver. The circuit runs clockwise and features elevation changes that create a visceral, engaging driving experience.
- →Sector 1 (Turns 1–4): Opening technical complex with uphill commitment corner demanding car control and patience
- →Sector 2 (Turns 5–10): The mountain sequence — flowing, high-speed elevation changes through the signature section, followed by a dramatic speed reset hairpin
- →Sector 3 (Turns 11–15): Technical chicane, momentum corners, and the final gateway to the main straight where lap times are made or lost
Safety & Homologation
A1 Motor Park holds FIA Grade 3 certification, qualifying it for national and select international racing events including Formula 4, GT series, touring car championships, and various national series. The FIM Grade B certification enables the circuit to host national motorcycle championships and international support races.
- →FIA Grade 3 & FIM Grade B homologation
- →Tyre barriers and ARMCO at all high-speed corners
- →Gravel traps and extended runoff zones at key braking points
- →Medical centre and emergency vehicle access on-circuit
- →Full marshal posts at all corners
- →FIA-compliant pit lane and pit wall infrastructure
Facilities
The A1 Motor Park complex includes a modern pit building, paddock area, control tower, and spectator zones designed for an optimal experience. The facility meets international standards while providing the infrastructure needed for professional racing and track day operations.
- →Modern pit building with 30+ garages
- →Covered paddock area for teams and support vehicles
- →Race control tower with full circuit visibility
- →Spectator areas with natural viewing points
- →Driver briefing rooms and hospitality suites
- →Full medical centre with emergency response capability
Track Days & Events
A1 Motor Park hosts regular track day sessions open to road-legal vehicles and race-prepared cars across multiple run groups. The circuit's calendar includes open track days, manufacturer and brand-specific events, club motorsport days, instruction and coached sessions for first-time track drivers, and closed private testing bookings.
- →Open lapping sessions for multi-marque vehicles
- →Manufacturer-specific events (Porsche, BMW, Mercedes)
- →Instructor-led sessions for first-time drivers
- →Club motorsport and racing days
- →Private testing and corporate events
