| With the general trend of motorsports moving | | | | World Championship). There should preferably be |
| away from Europe and to a global fanbase, new | | | | at least 250m between the starting line and the |
| tracks have been built in various nations to | | | | first corner. |
| provide new challenges, keep the calendar fresh, | | | | - Protective Measures - Considerations to protect |
| and showcase the nations that host them. After | | | | spectators, drivers, race officials, and service |
| mustering the political will and millions of dollars to | | | | personnel. |
| build these new circuits yet before the world | | | | - Circuit Buildings and Installations - Race Control, |
| descends upon them, there is an exacting process | | | | Marshals' Posts, Pits, Paddock area, Medical |
| that must be undertaken to ensure the integrity | | | | Centers, etc. |
| of the track: homologation. | | | | - Service Roads - To enable the emergency |
| From the Greek word homologeo meaning "to | | | | vehicles to reach, unimpeded, any point of the |
| agree", homologation is a technical term signifying | | | | track and the medical center and the exits from |
| that the track meets the conditions of Federation | | | | the circuit quickly. |
| Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) approval. In | | | | - Measurement of Circuit Length - The length of |
| short, tracks shouldn't be too hard or too easy | | | | the circuit is considered to be that of the |
| for drivers to reach the finish line. More | | | | centerline of the track. |
| specifically, the homologation process ensures fair | | | | - Facilities for the Disabled - wheelchair access, |
| competition and safety by keeping the following in | | | | reserved parking spots, etc. |
| check: | | | | - Trackside Advertising and Structures - Location |
| - Shape of the Circuit - Maximum permitted | | | | and characteristics should not interfere with |
| length for straits are 2km. Any new circuit should | | | | drivers' and officials' visibility and not to produce |
| not exceed 7km. | | | | an adverse or misleading optical effect. No form |
| - Width - Track width should be at least 12m and | | | | of advertising is permitted on the track surface. |
| at least 15m at the starting grid. | | | | All signs must be designed to break if impacted |
| - Longitudinal Profile - The gradient of the start | | | | into lightweight, harmless pieces. |
| finish straight shouldn't exceed 2%. | | | | - Accident Reporting - The circuit owner is |
| - Transversal Inclination, Drainage - Systems for | | | | responsible for reporting to the FIA any damage |
| adequate drainage of water from the track, pit | | | | to cars and circuit features. |
| lane, paddock and public areas. | | | | - Circuit Maintenance - Proper maintenance of the |
| - Track Edges, Verges and Run-off Areas - A | | | | circuit and its installationsIf the FIA inspectors are |
| permanent track should be bordered along the | | | | happy with what they see, a circuit license is |
| entire length of the primary track on both sides | | | | granted stipulating the conditions under which it |
| by continuous white lines clearly marked in | | | | may be used and the categories of cars and |
| anti-skid paint. | | | | events which may be admitted. New circuits bring |
| - Starting Straight - There should be at least 6m | | | | new thrills and challenges. New thrills and challenges |
| length of grid between each car (8m for the F1 | | | | are what fans want to see. Ready, set, go! |