Monster Energy Grand Prix České republiky

Brno, Czech Republic

The tradition of motorcycle racing in Brno dates back to 1930 on the so-called 'City Circuit'. The first Czechoslovakian Grand Prix was held at Brno in 1965, with the 500cc class raced over thirteen laps of the original 13.94 km long road circuit. The current circuit was first used for GP racing in 1987 and hosted the Czechoslovakian GP through until 1991.

The event was revived in 1993 as the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic and has taken place every year since. The only venue to have hosted more Grand Prix events than Brno being Assen, in the Netherlands. Races at Brno attract large crowds and in recent years the presence of local riders such as Lukáš Pešek, Karel Abraham and Jakub Kornfeil have added to the excitement of this historic Grand Prix.

Why we love the Czech Republic and Brno

The Czech Republic is a beautiful country with a varied landscape, and thanks to its location in the heart of Europe, it is easily accessible to visitors. The country offers plenty to be discovered in its mountains and forests, in its historic cities, and its 12 UNESCO heritage sights.

In addition, the Czech Republic has a long tradition of sporting success, gaining international glory in tennis, ice hockey, football and motorsport.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is situated in central Bohemia. This is a picturesque medieval city, with a romantic atmosphere and a historical city centre, where you can enjoy the sunset above the Charles Bridge which connects Prague Castle to the Old Town. Visitors and locals also enjoy strolling along the Vltava river to the park at Petřín Hill or browsing the many shops and boutiques of Příkop and Pařížská Streets.

Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, and also well-known for its beautiful city centre and vivid nightlife. This is a dynamic and fast-evolving city which is becoming increasingly recognised as an attractive place to visit.

Useful Information

Useful Information for visiting Brno with MotoGP™
Full name: Masarykův Okruh, Masaryk circuit, Automotodrom Brno
Capital: Prague
Time zone: GMT +1
Currency: Czech crown (sign: Kč, code: CZK)
Electric plug type: E

Important telephone numbers:
Emergency services: 112
Brno Airport: +42 0545521310
Prague Airport: +420220111888
Automotodrom Brno (Circuit): +42 0546 123 300

Websites:
Circuit: http://www.automotodrombrno.cz/en/
Brno Airport: http://www.brno-airport.cz/
Prague Airport: http://www.prg.aero/en/
Brno Tourist Centre: http://www.gotobrno.cz/en

Language: Czech

Weather: MotoGP™ visits Brno in August when the average daily high temperature goes up to 24°C (75°F) and the average daily low is 19°C (66°F). During the summer in the Czech Republic you can expect warm, dry weather, but there can occasionally be cold, rainy spells too.

Finding the right accommodation

If you plan to stay outside Brno you can find accommodation in nearby villages such as Žebětín, Rosice, Troubsko, Popuvky, Bystrc and Kohoutovice. In these small villages, you will find bed and breakfast style accommodation at a reasonable price. In Bystrc in particular you are surrounded by nature, enjoying views of the Brno Reservoir.

If you prefer to be at the heart of the action in Brno there is accommodation to suit all budget requirements. For nice restaurants, cocktail bars and easy access to Brno's best nightspots book somewhere between the historic city centre, Lužánky Park and Mendel Square.

In trendy areas such as the city centre or Veveří there are plenty of hotel rooms for under €100 per night, plus there are apartments to rent and lots of bed and breakfast options.

Exploring Brno and Czech Republic

Brno is the capital of the South Moravian region and there is never a lack of things to do here. During the day, you can admire architectural treasures like the Villa Tughenhat, a UNESCO heritage site, and the Petr and Pavel Cathedral - then spend some time in a relaxing park nearby. If you want to experience the evening atmosphere of Brno, head to a pub on the Jakubského náměstí (St. Jacob’s Square). Within a few minutes’ walk of the square there more local bars, each of which offers quality Czech beer and traditional food.

For a more relaxed evening head to the little square in front of the Janacek Theatre and enjoy the colourful, dancing rainbow fountain. Or perhaps take a romantic walk up to the Spielberg Castle, stroll around the castle walls and enjoy the beautiful view of the entire city at sunset.

To get active, the “Prýgl” (Brno Reservoir) is a short drive away and can be easily reached on public transport. Take a boat trip to the Veveří Castle, or go running, cycling or swimming. You can even rent your own paddle boat and take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

The South-Moravian region is also famous for vineyards and wine cellars. During summer, many of the family-owned cellars offer wine tasting sessions.

Also, nearby is Lednice, where a marvelous chateau is surrounded by a peaceful park with a maze for children. A 15-minute drive from Lednice is the historic town of Mikulov, whilst to the north east of Brno is Macocha Abyss which is best experienced on a boat trip.

Tips for visiting Brno and Czech Republic

When visiting Brno the local beer, wine and food specialties should not be missed. Locals often enjoy a Plzeň (Pilsen) beer with a small appetizer such as Sýrová kulička (cheese ball), Utopenec (pickled sausage) or pickled brie, which are offered in almost every pub, especially those close to St. Jacob’s Square.

The local cuisine also includes Gulash, Svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce), Steak tartare and fried cheese. Czechs eat dinner fairly early - at around 7pm or 8pm - and if you are planning to eat out it is best to make a reservation. Czechs tend to go out early to party, between 8pm and 9pm, so from then onwards the best pubs start to fill up.

Brno has a good public transportation system which runs until late, with night buses around the city. Brno can also be reached comfortably from four airports, Brno airport itself, plus Prague, Vienna and Bratislava, which are all an easy drive to or from the city.