Located on the outskirts of the Latvian capital of Riga, the Bikernieki track is the country’s only permanent motor racing circuit, with a history dating back to the 1950s, when a temporary course was first constructed within the surrounding forest.

Motorsport – on both two wheels and four – first took place on a more permanent circuit in the summer of 1966, with Bikernieki subsequently establishing itself as the Soviet Union’s premier motor racing facility. Upgrades followed in 1984 to bring the track up to FIA standards, but the collapse of the USSR in 1991 saw its fortunes decline, and it was not until 20 years later that work began to restore the circuit to its previous glory.

In 2016, Bikernieki joined the FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar, with a bespoke 1,295m layout created by Apex Circuit Design. Incorporating sections of the race circuit, a long unsealed zone through the wooded infield and three jumps – two on the standard lap and one in the Joker – it immediately became a favourite amongst both drivers and fans.

For tickets and more information: www.rigarx.com