Prague to get new race circuit

Construction of a new motor sport venue just three miles from the centre of Prague is due to start in 2010.

The Sport Prague and Car Centrum will combine a short permanent track with a street circuit to create a venue that could hostthe first Czech Grand Prix for 60 years. The track is the brainchild of Toni Charouz, a team owner and race promoter in his homeland.

“This kind of track is the future,” said Charouz, who is already in negotiation with the DTM. “We plan to have our first races in 2012/13.”

The then Czechoslovakia hosted the international-status Masaryk GP on the original Brno track in 1930-37 and ’49. Winners included Louis Chiron, Bernd Rosemeyer and Rudolf Caracciola.