From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

Czech Republic tops IRTA Best Grand Prix Trophy poll

The superbly organised Czech Republic Grand Prix, held at the Brno circuit in Moravia, has won the coveted IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix Trophy’ for 2004. The Brno organisation regained the trophy they won for the first time in 1999, in the process ending three years of dominance by Spanish circuits. Brno beat off strong challenges from Valencia, Trophy winners in 2002 – 03, with Sepang in third place.

The first road racing circuit was opened at Brno in 1930, the 29.1km Masaryk Circuit open road circuit developed for automobile races. Brno’s long and successful association with motorcycle racing began in 1950, initially promoting races featuring riders from the former ‘Eastern block’ on a shorter 17.8km circuit. However, in the mid-fifties despite the extremely dangerous nature of the ultra-fast track Brno became a venue for the ‘Continental Circus’ attracting virtually every top flight European rider to the annual international races. In 1965 the CZ Federation were granted an FIM Grand Prix with the revised 13.9km Brno circuit as host.

Technical development in motorcycle racing intensified in the 1970’s and rendered the old road circuit obsolete leaving Brno with no alternative than to cease road race promotions in 1982 and build a permanent circuit.

The result is the present superbly laid out 5.403km track, situated 15km from Brno City center, which opened in 1987. Featuring six left hand corners and eight right handers the fifteen meters wide track was designed with safety the overriding priority. The gravel traps are wide and deep and the track is ringed by an ambulance service road.

The undulating circuit has a difference in elevation of 73.63 mts resulting in fast flowing downhill sections and a long uphill run to the final chicane just before the end of the lap. The part of the circuit between the two sections forms a natural amphitheater a dream for spectators who crowed the area in their tens of thousands.

Facilities are among the very best with 27 large, well-equipped pit boxes, extensive paddock area and good hospitality areas. Communications systems are good and when the planned alterations to the media center have been completed Brno will be the envy of all rivals.

The IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix’ Trophy is awarded based on a points scoring system that covers every aspect of running a grand prix. Track safety, medical facilities, paddock and media facilities, event management, and on-track officials. Brno won in 2004 not solely because of their performance this season, Brno has a long series of well-run grands prix to their credit and shows every indication of retaining their reputation as one of GP racing’s top venues into the future.

Ludek Starham, CEO and Director of the Board of Automotodrom Brno, a.s. and Events manager Radka Dvorakova both have extensive international event promotion experience and have established a mutually respectful rapport with the teams. Together with the on-event staff they run a first class grand prix with style and efficiency.

Clerk of the Course Vaclav Janek runs a solid operation and his track marshals are among the best encountered on the 16-race calendar every emergency swiftly dealt with whether it’s a minor crash or more serious incident. The medical staff, under the guidance of MUDr Ivo Dedek, work from a state of the art on track mini-hospital in total harmony with FIM Medical Director Claudio Macchiagodena.

IRTA President Sito Pons said.” The recognition of best GP of the year is an award well deserved by the Circuit of BRNO for its continued effort in improving its services and infrastructures. It currently meets the expectations of the teams and also of the public as host of an event of the magnitude of the Motorcycling World Championship. The teams are grateful for this and the audiences are on the increase. Although held in the middle of the summer, what may be a deterrent by some standards, the BRNO GP is highly valued by all the teams.”


IRTA Trophy Roll of Honour
1984 Silverstone / GB
1985 Hockenheim / Germany
1986 Nurburgring / Germany
1987 Assen / Netherlands
1988 Suzuka / Japan
1989 Donington Park / GB
1990 Jerez / Spain
1991 Donington Park / GB
1992 Catalunya / Spain
1993 Eastern Creek / Australia
1994 Eastern Creek / Australia
1995 Mugello / Italy
1996 Mugello / Italy
1997 Mugello / Italy
1998 Phillip Island / Australia
1999 Brno / Czech Republic
2000 Mugello / Italy
2001 Catalunya / Spain
2002 Valencia / Spain
2003 Valencia / Spain
2004 Brno / Czech Republic