« We are already very close to the Grand Prix of Formula 1 next year. So the circuit and all the infrastructure must be ready. " It was with these few words that José Luis Martínez-Almeida, mayor of Madrid, set the tone on the sidelines of an event organized by Europa Press this week in the Spanish capital.
A statement far from insignificant as the city of Madrid celebrated January 23 the anniversary of the announcement of his return in Formula 1. A first since 1981 and the last race held on the Jarama circuit, won by the late Gilles Villeneuve.
This will be done in the city, on a semi-permanent track of 5,47 kilometers long, made up of 20 turns. According to the first simulations, the lap time should be around 1:32. The site facilities should be able to accommodate more than 400 fans per day in the grandstands, general admissions and VIP hospitality. It is also planned to increase the circuit's capacity to 110 people per day during the first half of the agreement.
Madrid Grand Prix against a backdrop of political tensions
José Luis Martínez-Almeida also wanted to clarify things regarding the financing of the Madrid Grand Prix project while he has been the target of criticism in the world of politics on the other side of the Pyrenees. The latter insisted on the fact that it will be entirely private and that it " will not cost the public treasury anything ". And to add:
« The left does not care that the Spanish government invested 70 million euros in the America's Cup so that it could be held in Barcelona, or that Catalan institutions invested 50 million euros in Formula 1 in Barcelona. »
Regarding the Grand Prix project, the goal is to start it around next April, assures the mayor of Madrid, who has asked his residents to remain "calm" because the race " will take place and will be a success "The call for tenders closed on 10 January and five offers were accepted by the developers: two from construction companies (ACS and FCC) and three from conglomerates (Sacyr/Ferrovial and Pavasal, Acciona and Eiffage, and OHLA, bringing together Asfaltos y Construcciones Elsan, Guinovart, ACSA, Sorigué, Vialex, Rover and Rover Rail).
Although its date on the calendar has not yet been set, the promoters of the Madrid Grand Prix regularly talk about September 2026.
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