Copenhagen gets closer to F1

Denmark could well have its Grand Prix by 2020. Chase Carey, director of the F1, traveled to Copenhagen on Wednesday to meet Frank Jensen, mayor of the city, and Brian Mikkelsen, minister of the economy. Objective: to study the project of a race organized in the heart of the Danish capital.

« We are very excited to explore the possibility of having a GP here in Denmark, Carey told reporters present, according to the news agency Reuters. Copenhagen represents the type of destination that offers a great showcase for sport. »

The project is supported by a Danish consortium which notably includes Lars Seier Christensen, co-founder and former CEO of the online investment bank Saxo Bank, which sponsored Lotus in F1 in recent years. The other kingpin is Helge Sander, former science minister.

Christensen told a press briefing that the required budget per race would be between 300 and 500 million Danish crowns (around 40-67 million euros), with spectator revenues expected to be in the range of 1 to 2 billion Danish crowns (approximately 135-270 million euros).

« Their vision (that of Liberty Media, owners of F1, Editor’s note) is not limited to Copenhagen, they see the whole of Scandinavia as a potential market, said the former boss of Saxo Bank.

Denmark currently has one representative in the premier category with Kevin Magnussen in Haas F1 Team. The country hosted the discipline in 1961 and 1962 in non-championship events held at the Roskilde Ring and won by Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham respectively. The last F1 race to take place in Scandinavia dates back to the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix at the Anderstorp circuit with a victory for Niki Lauda.