Yes Hotel Rome Travel Blog: The Rome travel guide

For something which started off as just a sand racetrack for horses, few would have tipped Vallelunga to become one of the most important racing training circuits in Europe. 

But the 2.5 mile speed circuit, in Campagnano, north of Rome, can today claim to have trained some of the best motor sport drivers in the world.

The circuit’s Federal Rally School (CSAI), which trains young drivers into professionals, helped bring about the development of four-time world rally champion Tommy Makinen (now retired).

Meanwhile, the circuit’s Federal Speed School has seen the rise to stardom of students such as Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella, and Alexander Zanardi in Formula One.

The success story now seems a long way away from the early nineteen fifties, when a simple Roman horse lover bought the land to create a racing circuit for horses.

1951 saw the first motor race on the circuit and in 1957 it was developed further to fully accommodate motor racing.

Following extension work to make the track 3222 metres , it eventually welcomed the Rome Formula One Grand Prix in May 1957.

But it is difficult to see the circuit’s humble roots today. As well as boasting the two famous driving schools, the circuit also plays host to a safe driving course for absolutely every kind of motor vehicle.

There is even a special off-road section for specialist training in four-wheel drive vehicles. So whether it be, jungle, countryside or desert, the circuit is prepared to show drivers the ropes.

Vallelunga Autodrom 1986 Rallies

And the story doesn’t end there.

During regeneration work in 2001, an ancient Roman road was discovered running just off the site. This led to the discovery of an ancient Roman village, which is believed to date back to the Hellenistic age.

So who said the ancient Romans weren’t forward thinking? Ben- Hur might be history, but motorsport is the future.