A1 Motor Park stands as a significant new development in Bulgarian motorsport, providing a modern, permanent motor racing circuit designed to host international events. Located in Samokov, approximately
55 kilometers south of the national capital Sofia, this facility represents a major investment in the country's racing infrastructure. The circuit, originally known as Lara Racing Circuit, was officially opened on March 21, 2026, marking a new era for motorsport in the region.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Specifications
The centerpiece of A1 Motor Park is its 3.910 km (2.430 mi) race track, meticulously designed to meet stringent international standards. The circuit boasts 15 turns and is engineered to comply with FIA Grade 3 specifications. This classification allows the park to host a variety of high-profile racing series, including Formula 3, GT3, and endurance races, attracting both national and international competitors. Furthermore, the track holds FIM Grade B certification, making it suitable for international motorcycle events, with the exception of MotoGP.
Beyond the track itself, the park is equipped to accommodate a substantial audience, with a capacity of 20,000 spectators. The project's construction commenced on March 10, 2025, near Samokov, and was financed through private investment. The architect behind the design is Tsvetan Petrov, who envisioned a facility capable of supporting diverse motorsport activities.
Inauguration and Early Records
The official opening of A1 Motor Park on March 21, 2026, was a notable event, with local Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov being the first to complete laps in a Dallara GP2/11. This initial run showcased the circuit's capabilities and set the stage for future competitive action. Shortly after its opening, unofficial lap records began to be established.
On March 24, an unofficial lap record was set by Pavel Lefterov in a Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), achieving a time of 1:30.991. This record was subsequently surpassed on April 20, 2026, when Georgi Donchev, driving a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo 2, recorded an even faster unofficial lap time of 1:30.579. These early performances highlight the track's design for high-speed, competitive racing. The telecommunications company A1 Bulgaria became the title sponsor of the circuit, an announcement made on December 9, 2025, further solidifying the park's commercial and sporting viability.
