Sviestad-Linköpings Motorstadion

Overview

Sviestad-Linköpings Motorstadion is a versatile motorsport complex located just outside Linköping, Sweden, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Stockholm. This multi-disciplinary racing facility sits nestled in the picturesque Swedish countryside at coordinates 58.395728979323536, 15.718941065265932. Known primarily for rallycross, drifting events, and motorcycle racing, the track has become a significant hub for motorsport enthusiasts in central Sweden. The venue combines technical driving challenges with excellent spectator accessibility, making it a favorite destination for both competitors and fans alike.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The Sviestad circuit features a well-designed layout with a combination of asphalt and gravel sections, particularly suited for rallycross competitions. The main track spans approximately 1.2 kilometers with variable width between 12-15 meters, allowing for competitive overtaking opportunities. A distinctive feature includes the joker lap section, a mandatory diversion taken once during rallycross races that adds strategic depth to competitions.

The circuit incorporates several challenging elements including a tight hairpin turn, fast sweeping corners, and elevation changes that test drivers' skills. The surface transition areas between asphalt and gravel create additional technical challenges, especially in changing weather conditions. The facility also includes separate drift sections with wide run-off areas designed specifically for controlled sliding competitions.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Sviestad Motorstadion offers comprehensive amenities for competitors and spectators alike. The paddock area provides ample space for teams to set up, with electrical hookups and technical service zones available. For spectators, there are several elevated viewing areas that offer excellent sightlines to multiple sections of the track simultaneously. The main grandstand accommodates approximately 3,000 seated viewers, while natural embankments around the circuit allow for thousands more.

The facility includes a race control tower with modern timing equipment, dedicated briefing rooms, and a media center that supports professional coverage of events. Additional amenities include food concessions, sanitary facilities, and parking for over 1,500 vehicles. The track also maintains specialized equipment for different racing disciplines, including water trucks for dust management during dry conditions and snowplowing equipment to extend the racing season in this northern climate.

History

Established in the early 1970s, Sviestad-Linköpings Motorstadion began primarily as a grassroots facility for local motorsport enthusiasts. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the track gained prominence by hosting rounds of the Swedish Rallycross Championship. A significant renovation in 2005 modernized the facility, expanding its capabilities to accommodate a wider range of motorsport disciplines.

In recent years, the track has gained international recognition by hosting European-level competitions and developing a reputation as one of Sweden's premier drifting venues. The facility continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements focused on sustainability initiatives, including solar power installation and water recycling systems. Today, Sviestad stands as an important cultural landmark in Swedish motorsport, balancing competitive racing with community engagement through driving schools and amateur racing opportunities.