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Update | No injuries in flames at Termas Rio Hondo, museum has been saved

6 February 2021 at 14:40
Last update 6 February 2021 at 14:40
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  • GPblog.com

A huge fire has broken out at the Termas Rio Hondo circuit in Argentina. A large part of the pit complex is in flames. The firefighters are trying to save what can be saved and are now focusing on the accompanying museum.

Entire pit building is lost

The fire started in the evening and was first seen around 11 o'clock local time. A few hours later, the fire brigade is still struggling to get the fire under control. Footage shows flames bursting from the roof of the pit building.

The fire appeared to have started in the VIP rooms on the top floor, but helicopter footage shows the entire pit building is now engulfed in flames. Circuit director Hector Farina told local media that they are now trying to rescue as many classic cars and motorbikes as possible from the museum named after Juan Manuel Fangio. No one was present at the circuit when the fire broke out.

Termas Rio Hondo is the most modern race track in Argentina and in recent years has become known primarily as the venue for the Argentine Grand Prix in the MotoGP. In addition, races for the World Touring Car Championship have also been held there.

Update | 3:33 pm - Statement from Argentine circuit

In a statement, it can be read that the pit building, the circuit's VIP boxes and the press room facilities were the worst affected by last night's fire. Fortunately there were no injuries.

"Unfortunately the whole pit building was destroyed by the fire," says Héctor Farina. The Facility Manager continues: "That sector also included the press room, the race control area and the VIP lounges. Both the museum and the control tower located at the far end, along with other offices and the medical centre, had no major damage."

It is unclear whether events such as the MotoGP can still take place in 2021. After all, the damage is huge. "The circuit is fully insured against fire, so the economic damage is covered in that sense, but it will certainly take a lot of time to rebuild the entire pit area, which is necessary for national and international races," Farina concludes.