Moscow Raceway – Tilke DTM & WTCC Circuit Guide
Originally published August 2016. Last updated September 2026: expanded Tier B circuit guide, facts table, table of contents, internal links, FAQ schema, and editorial refresh while preserving legacy narrative and images.
Moscow Raceway is a Hermann Tilke-designed permanent circuit near Volokolamsk in the Moscow region, opened in 2012 as Russia’s flagship FIA-grade road course. The project aimed at a Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix, but the championship eventually settled at Sochi Autodrom. DTM, WTCC, and World Superbike still put Moscow Raceway on the international map in the 2010s.
The venue matters because it brought modern safety standards, multiple configurations, and a 30,000-seat grandstand to a country where circuit racing had long trailed rally and ice racing. For European contrast compare Autodrom Most, Pannonia Ring, and Automotodrom Brno.
Counter-clockwise flow, a 873 m main straight, and modest elevation change make the Grand Prix layout a technical challenge for touring cars and GT machinery. Corporate track days and national championships now fill much of the calendar after several international series moved on.
Contents
Moscow Raceway facts
| Location | Sheludkovo village, Volokolamsky district, Moscow region, Russia (about 90 minutes from central Moscow) |
|---|---|
| Circuit type | Permanent road course (counter-clockwise) |
| Designer | Hermann Tilke |
| Opened | July 2012 (project unveiled 2008; construction paused 2009–2010) |
| Grand Prix layout length | 3.955 km (15 turns; track width 12–21 m) |
| Configurations | About 20 variants (3 base layouts plus additional combinations) |
| Elevation change | About 22 m; longest straight about 873 m |
| Capacity | About 30,000 grandstand seats |
| FIA / FIM grades | FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade B after 2012 inspection (originally targeted Grade 1T / FIM A) |
| Historic headline series | DTM, FIA WTCC, FIM Superbike World Championship, Blancpain GT, Formula Renault 3.5, European F3 |
| Notable lap reference | 1:24.831 — Arthur Pic (Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2012) |
Lap record note: Formula Renault, DTM, GT, and touring-car categories use different tyres and downforce. Compare lap times only within the same series, configuration, and year.
Formula 1 plans and the move to Sochi
Track racing was never Russia’s most popular motorsport discipline, but promoters still wanted a world-class venue near the capital. The Moscow Raceway project was unveiled in autumn 2008 with Hermann Tilke as architect — the same designer behind many modern Formula 1 circuits.
Management initially targeted a Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix at Moscow Raceway. After talks with Bernie Ecclestone collapsed in 2009, construction stalled before a new contractor resumed work in summer 2010. The layout was finished within a year; medical centres, pit buildings, and grandstands followed.
When Formula 1 finally returned to Russia in 2014, the championship raced at Sochi Autodrom on the Black Sea coast, not at Moscow Raceway. The Volokolamsk circuit still achieved FIA Grade 1 homologation, but the headline Grand Prix never arrived.
Construction of Moscow Raceway
Rough start, then a 2012 opening
Total construction cost was reported at around $150 million. Even without Formula 1, promoters secured a DTM deal and interest from WTCC, superbike, and single-seater championships. Moscow Raceway opened for competition in July 2012 with supporting infrastructure that could host any major category on paper.
Preparations for a WTCC race at Moscow Raceway
Grand Prix layout and configuration options
The main Grand Prix track measures 3.955 km with 15 turns and widths between 12 and 21 metres. Moscow Raceway advertises around 20 configurations — three base layouts plus additional combinations, many of them similar in character.
The circuit runs counter-clockwise, unusual among Tilke designs and demanding on neck muscles for drivers used to clockwise European calendars. The longest straight stretches about 873 m, enough for DTM and GT cars to reach high speeds before heavy braking zones.
Arthur Pic set a reference lap of 1:24.831 during the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series weekend. Official maps and configuration diagrams are published at moscowraceway.ru.
Moscow Raceway basic Grand Prix layout
DTM, WTCC, and superbike headlines
International visitors first saw Moscow Raceway through DTM, which became the circuit’s signature series in the early years. The FIA World Touring Car Championship and FIM Superbike World Championship also raced on the Grand Prix layout, alongside Blancpain GT, World Series by Renault, and European Formula 3.
DTM race at Moscow Raceway
Russian national championships, track days, and manufacturer experiences now carry much of the annual schedule as several international tours have reduced their Russian calendars. Check the official website for current race dates before planning a trip.
Pit building, media centre, and corporate days
Like many modern venues, Moscow Raceway hosts corporate driving programmes, manufacturer launches, and hospitality events. Media Centre, Welcome Centre, and VIP lounges inside the pit building and race control tower serve more than 50 company events per year according to venue marketing.
Getting there and accommodation
Moscow Raceway sits near the villages of Fedyukovo and Sheludkovo, roughly 90 minutes by car from central Moscow. Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports lie about 100 km away; Domodedovo is closer to 150 km.
On major race weekends shuttle buses often run from Rizhsky railway station in Moscow. Hotels in the capital span every price bracket, but Moscow remains one of Europe’s more expensive cities — book early for international event dates.
Main grandstand at Moscow Raceway
Moscow Raceway lap guide (video)
Frequently asked questions about Moscow Raceway
Where is Moscow Raceway?
Moscow Raceway is at Sheludkovo village in the Volokolamsky district of the Moscow region, Russia — about 90 minutes by car from central Moscow near Fedyukovo.
When did Moscow Raceway open?
The circuit opened in July 2012 after Hermann Tilke’s design was unveiled in 2008. Construction paused when Formula 1 talks failed in 2009 and resumed in summer 2010.
How long is Moscow Raceway?
The main Grand Prix layout is 3.955 km with 15 turns. The venue offers around 20 configuration variants; see the official track map for shorter combinations.
Did Formula 1 race at Moscow Raceway?
No. Promoters once targeted a Russian Grand Prix at Moscow Raceway, but Formula 1’s Russian round was held at Sochi Autodrom from 2014 instead.
Who designed Moscow Raceway?
German architect Hermann Tilke designed Moscow Raceway — the same firm behind many modern Formula 1 and Grade 1 circuits worldwide.
What races were held at Moscow Raceway?
Headline international series included DTM, FIA WTCC, World Superbike, Blancpain GT, Formula Renault 3.5, and European F3. National championships and track days continue on the calendar.
What is the lap record at Moscow Raceway?
Arthur Pic posted 1:24.831 during the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series weekend on the Grand Prix layout. Compare lap times only within the same category and configuration.
Which direction does Moscow Raceway run?
The Grand Prix circuit runs counter-clockwise, which is less common among European permanent tracks and affects driver neck strain on long race weekends.
How do you get to Moscow Raceway from Moscow?
Drive from central Moscow (about 90 minutes) or use shuttle buses from Rizhsky railway station on major event weekends. Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports are roughly 100 km away.
What FIA grade is Moscow Raceway?
After its 2012 inspection Moscow Raceway received FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade B homologation, allowing top-level car and motorcycle categories on the main layout.
Related reading
- Autodrom Most — Czech Republic’s permanent circuit
- Pannonia Ring — Hungary’s modern track
- Automotodrom Brno — Czech Grand Prix history
- Nürburgring — Germany’s legendary circuit
Address: 39 Sheludkovo village, Volokolamsky district, Moscow region, 143650, Russia
Phone: +7 495 775 38 31
Official website: moscowraceway.ru