Gear up for a year of high-octane racing
Constant engineering improvements (not least in electric car technology) mean that no two seasons – or even races – are ever the same, making few sporting spectacles are as thrilling or unpredictable as a day at the trackside. At concierge, we secure thousands of grandstand tickets, pit-lane access and VIP experiences on behalf of our members, and have outlined a selection of the most in-demand motorsport events taking place over the next 12 months.
F1 season
Various locations
Until 20 November 2022
With new rule changes and an apparent power shift at the top, the 2022 F1 season has been the most unpredictable for years. Upcoming highlights include the British Grand Prix at Silverstone (3 August), the second US Grand Prix of the season – this time at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin (23 October) – and the finale in Abu Dhabi (20 November). Whether that deciding race will prove as close and dramatic as last year’s remains to be seen. But we’ll be there for every twist and turn – concierge can arrange tickets, travel and pit lane access for every race in the season.
FIM Superbike World Championship, UK Round
Donington Park Circuit, Castle Donington
15 to 17 July 2022
In July, WorldSBK returns to where it all began when the famous Donington Park circuit once again hosts the UK Round – as it has done since 1988, with 52 races under its belt. Back then, it was US rider Fred Merkel who triumphed in the inaugural championship. You can expect the usual festival-like atmosphere at Donington in 2022, with plenty of vantage points along the scenic course that twists through the Derbyshire landscape, from Hollywood to Craner Curves. Soak up the history, excitement, and adrenalin of one of the world’s all-time classic motorsport events.
Formula E Seoul E-Prix
Seoul
13 to 14 August 2022
The future of motorsport is also one of the most enthralling, as ever-evolving electric car technology means new rules and plot developments at every turn. With charging times now significantly reduced, the Gen3 is the fastest, lightest, most powerful electric race car the world has seen. Rounds 15 and 16 sees the sport visit Seoul for the first time (13 to 14 August). The venue looks sure to match the futurism of the track, with a city backdrop and street course straight out of a PlayStation game. But this is as real as it gets, and nothing matches the sheer thrill of witnessing the races live and in person.
24 Hours of Le Mans
Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans
June 2023 (exact date TBC)
The ultimate track-based endurance race, the famous Le Mans circuit has hosted the 24 Hours race since 1923. So, the centenary year is bound to be something special (with rumours that NASCAR will be invited to enter a Next Gen car in the event). Whereas the winner of most motorsports is decided by whoever finishes a fixed distance in the shortest time, Le Mans is different: the aim is to cover the greatest distance over the 24-hour period. That means the challenge isn’t simply about speed, but also maintaining a car to compete for a full day without suffering mechanical failure.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
23 to 26 July 2022
Kennel Hill, Chichester
Buckle up for three days of high-octane racing around the 1.16-mile parkland circuit that passes right in front of Goodwood House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Richmond. This year’s theme, ‘The innovators – masterminds of motorsport’, celebrates the engineers, designers, and drivers that continue to break through barriers to push motorsport to the next level. From classic sports cars and the latest Formula 1 machines to supercar launches and vintage motorbikes, nowhere else in the world will you get this close to such a vast array of vehicles.
Salon Privé Concours d’Élégance
31 August to 4 September 2022
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
This well-established motor show ends the UK’s summer social season with a gleaming display of rare classics, priceless supercars and forward-thinking prototypes. The south lawn of Blenheim Palace always looks spectacular under the late summer sun, and the event begins with a prestigious award ceremony to celebrate the most well-tended vehicles. Away from the cars, you’ll have the chance to picnic in the palace gardens, browse luxury brands in the shopping village, and attend black-tie gala evenings.
Dakar Rally
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE
1 to 14 January 2023
Formerly known as the Paris-Dakar, this annual endurance rally was first staged in 1978, when drivers raced from Paris in France to Dakar, Senegal. Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has hosted the event, and in 2023 the route will also encompass the neighbouring Qatar and UAE. Largely off-road and covering hugely challenging desert terrain, the Dakar Rally is also notable for being open to amateurs and professionals alike, with amateur drivers usually making up 80% of the competitors. Bearing in mind the conditions, the distance covered, and the reliability and durability required of both car and driver, Dakar is arguably the toughest motor sport in the world – and one that is thrilling for spectators.
If you’re interested in other 2022 events, why not try a foray into the art world? Discover Europe’s blockbuster art exhibitions for 2022-23.
