Chengdu International Circuit

Chengdu International Circuit was demolished in 2018, with its role succeeded by the Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit. Below is the encyclopaedia entry for the circuit:

Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit

Overview and History
Located on Huanglianping Road, Jianyang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit is the largest and most comprehensively equipped professional racing facility in Southwest China. It is currently the only venue in Chengdu certified as an FIA Grade 2 circuit. Designed by Hangzhou Speed Ring Track Design Co., Ltd. in accordance with FIA Grade 1 standards, Phase 1 spans a total length of 3.264 km across an area of over 1,200 mu, representing a total investment of approximately RM3,000,000,000. On 3 December 2023, the circuit hosted its inaugural national-level event—the 2023 China Endurance Championship (CEC), featuring a 50-car grid across the GT Cup and Manufacturer Cup/National Cup. The circuit officially opened on 25 May 2024, coinciding with the Tianfu Speed Carnival and the 1st Chengdu Eastern New Area Car Culture Festival.

Track Layout and Key Characteristics
The 3.264 km circuit features 19 turns (12 left-handers, 7 right-handers), an elevation change of up to 20 metres, a 589-metre main straight, and a maximum design speed of 280 km/h. Corner radii vary significantly from a sweeping 1,000 metres down to a tight 14 metres, demanding pinpoint racing line precision and exceptional vehicle handling. Capitalising on the natural undulating terrain, the track incorporates 4 uphill and 3 downhill sections, technical sequential corner combinations, heavy braking zones, and a mix of medium-to-low-speed bends, delivering a thorough test of braking stability, tyre management, and racecraft. Turn 1, dubbed "Polestar Corner", is a banked 90-degree downhill bend taken at high speed immediately following terminal speeds of up to 200 km/h on the main straight.

Motorsport Operations and Events
Since commencing official operations, Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit has hosted over 30 motorsport and commercial events, including the China Endurance Championship, FIA F4 Chinese Championship, Lotus Cup One-Make Series, Tianfu Circuit Elite Challenge, and the China Karting Rookie Championship. In August 2026, Round 2 of the Hyundai N One-Make Race was staged here, debuting a combined "Sprint + Endurance" race format. The facility also houses a professional karting circuit and an automotive culture experience centre, drawing modified car enthusiasts, track-day regulars, and the public, spearheading Chengdu's evolution from a "City of Private Cars" into a premier motorsport hub. After sampling the circuit, WorldSBK rider Valentin Debise remarked that Tianfu International Circuit's facilities surpass many international venues, making it fully primed to host world-class motorcycle racing.

Lap Records
The all-time lap record for the FIA F4 Chinese Championship stands at 1:31.934, set by driver Tian Feng. The benchmark GT3 lap in the China Endurance Championship is 1:18.504, clocked by Congfu Cheng and Hu Bo behind the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II.