The Brno circuit, home of the Czech Republic Grand Prix, has topped the IRTA 'Best Grand Prix' poll for the 2007 MotoGP season.
The Brno circuit has performed exceptionally well since its inauguration and been one of the consistent trophy contenders, finally taking its first IRTA 'Best Grand Prix' trophy in 1999.
Its second success came in 2004 and Brno has since retained a top three position in the annual poll, finishing a close third in 2005 and runner up in 2006, before regaining the top spot in 2007.
Brno has hosted more grands prix than any other circuit on the calendar with the sole exception of Assen and joins Catalunya and Valencia as three times winners of the coveted IRTA Trophy. Only Mugello has topped the IRTA poll on more occasions, with four Trophy successes. In the 2007 poll, Valencia took second spot just ahead of Jerez.
"Brno deserves to be voted 'Best Grand Prix of 2007' everybody involved tries so hard to make life easy for us when we race there," said IRTA president and Tech 3 Yamaha team principal Herve Poncharal. "The race organisation is first class, the circuit is very safe with lots of run-off, track marshals are among the best that we work with and the facilities are excellent. When the circuit opened back in 1987 the facilities were unique and set the standard for all new circuits to equal.
"Brno is an artificial man-made circuit but it's like a real road race track, very technical with elevation changes - we love to race there. We have seen some fantastic close races at Brno I will always remember the unforgettable Criville - Doohan battle in 1996.
"It is also very exciting to see that the former East block countries are very enthusiastic about MotoGP and the Czech Republic has always been first to show this with Brno the central attraction. On behalf of IRTA I wish to congratulate all involved with the GP at Brno on the latest and well deserved Trophy success," he concluded.
"On behalf of all concerned with the Czech Grand Prix at Brno I wish to thank all the IRTA teams who voted for the circuit in the IRTA poll for 'Best GP of 2007'," said Clerk of the Course Mirek Bartos. "To win the Trophy for a third time is very satisfying and shows the dedication of all the people who contribute so much to make a success of the event.
"We have set high standards and will continue to improve where ever possible. We have a very good relationship with IRTA and the teams and this award is a reflection of our collaboration. We thank you once again and look forward to welcoming you all to Brno in August," he added.
The first grand prix races at Brno were held on the old course in 1965 with three legendary world champions taking the honours, Mike Hailwood was victorious in the 500cc race, Jim Redman at 350 level with Phil Read the winner of the 250cc class.
A completely new 5.403km track was constructed and opened in 1987 and three younger legendary champions emerged victorious in their title winning year; Wayne Gardner taking the 500cc win, Toni Mang took the chequered flag in the 250 class with Fausto Gresini the 125cc race victor.
The new circuit set the standards that all new circuits have to match. Safety was the prime consideration and Brno features large run-off areas but without detracting from the view the race fans have of the action, much of which takes place in a huge amphitheatre like valley.
The circuit is unique in that it resembles an old style road course with swooping downhill turns and elevation changes of 74 metres that put a premium on front wheel grip and tests rider skill to the maximum.
