Iconic race tracks you can actually drive on

As a new season of F1 and IndyCar kicks off, you may be joining racing fans around the world to watch elite drivers take on hairpins, ovals and chicanes at international racing tracks – and you may also be wishing you were in the driving seat.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate present for a racing enthusiast or the ultimate treat for yourself, you can put pedal to the metal at these legendary tracks. From supercar experiences to ride-alongs with professional drivers, here are some of the best race tracks you can drive on to sate your need for speed.

Silverstone, England

For diehard F1 fans

As the storied home of the British Grand Prix, this legendary track has been hosting races since the 1940s, with the passionate amateur motorists of those years evolving into the slick F1 racers of today. Some of the sport’s most iconic moments have happened here, including Hamilton’s rainy day Silverstone victory in 2008.

For a bucket-list experience, take on one of Drive Silverstone ’s supercars alongside a professional racing instructor, pushing your vehicle to the limit as you navigate the grand prix circuit’s famed Maggots and Becketts corners. Choose from a Ferrari F430 Coupe, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, or go full Hamilton in a Formula single-seater car. 

Le Mans, France

For fans of Le Mans and endurance racing

Featured in the Christian Bale film Ford VS Ferrari, Le Mans forms part of the famed motorsport Triple Crown – essentially the EGOT of the racing world. The likes of Paul Newman, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso have previously competed in this 24-hour team race, which pushes drivers’ stamina to the limit. 

While the full race is best left to the professionals, anybody can drive along parts of the Circuit de la Sarthe track when a race isn’t underway. The Mulsanne Straight is open to the public, however, keen drivers can splurge on a Porsche driving experience ; you'll be trained by instructors to race on the Maison Blanche and Bugatti circuits – in a Porsche, naturally. 

Fuji Speedway, Japan

For Gran Turismo fans

Although Suzuka is now home to the Japanese Grand Prix, Fuji Speedway still holds a special place in the hearts of both racing enthusiasts and gamers; it’s a key race track in the video game series Gran Turismo. Nowadays, the Shizuoka landmark hosts a race as part of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as well as the D1 professional drifting series.

Want to give it a go yourself? You can bring your own car and race on the Fuji Speedway alongside other fans, or spring for a supercar experience . There are also karting experiences on-site for the little aspiring motorists in your family. Make a pit stop by the Fuji Speedway Hotel where you can try out an advanced racing simulator, visit the Fuji Motorsport Museum and enjoy Gran Turismo-themed experiences at the hotel’s Bar 4563. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, United States

For IndyCar fans

The jewel of the Indianapolis 500, this famed track is one of the oldest permanent race tracks in the world. It’s a prime spot to watch American open-wheel racing, drawing millions every year. Drivers like Pato O’Ward, Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt have previously tackled the ovals here.

True thrill seekers can give it a go themselves at the Indy Racing Experience , where you’ll be able to jump into a real IndyCar racing vehicle. You’ll join a certified IndyCar driver in a two-seater and be zipped around the racing circuit for up to three laps, allowing you to experience G-forces and speeds as high as 180mph.  

Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore

For city slicking motorists

One of the few Asian circuits on the F1 calendar, Singapore hosts a dramatic city race which twists through public roads and rings around the Marina Bay Sands. While you won’t be able to mimic the speeds of the real thing, you can still recreate the Marina Bay Street Circuit experience – and have time to drink in the sights. 

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place at night to avoid high temperatures, so set out in the evening, either in a rental car or walking on foot. You’ll also be within close distance to Gardens by the Bay where you can see the Supertree Grove lit up at night. 

Circuit de Monaco, Monaco

For the racing historians

Every race car driver wants to win at Monaco. This historic track is the site of the Monaco Grand Prix, a high-glamour event and a keystone of the F1 calendar. It continues to deliver incredible racing moments, from Kimi Räikkönen’s hilarious race retirement in 2006 – where he simply tore off his racing gear and walked to his superyacht to crack open a beer – to Monegasque-born Charles Leclerc’s emotional win with Ferrari last year.

Much like Singapore, the circuit is comprised of public roads, meaning you’ll be able to drive, cycle or walk it outside of racing days. Looping past the Bay of Monaco (and its shiny superyachts) and through sloping city streets, taking in a tight hairpin turn and a tunnel which bursts into sunlight, the route is a fascinating cross-section of one of the world’s wealthiest cities. 

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