Valencia GP’s future in doubt
Speculation in the paddock of the Spanish port venue said low attendance and a lack of atmosphere has Bernie Ecclestone seriously considering the future of the event.
But according to a report in the AS newspaper, local government authorities are at the grand prix this weekend and are guaranteeing the event stays on the calendar for at least the next five years.
It is suggested that the officials are blaming the late August date for many of the event's problems and are pushing for a new date – possibly in June or July – for 2010 and beyond.
08/21/09 (GMM) Attendance at the Valencia port street circuit was notably down on Friday, raising speculation the European grand prix venue might be axed from the formula one calendar.
"Ticket sales have been so poor that there are rumors this may be the marina circuit's swansong after just two years," said a report in the British newspaper Daily Telegraph.
In mid 2007, Bernie Ecclestone signed a seven year contract with Valencia organizers Valmor Sports, which kicked off with the inaugural event in 2008.
There was some criticism of the venue when it held its inaugural grand prix last August, including by spectators whose view was impeded and others who bemoaned a lack of atmosphere.
Renault boss and FOTA's sporting chief Flavio Briatore said the problem hinted at a more fundamental issue for the sport.
"We have fifty per cent of the tickets sold here because there is no energy at the moment," the Italian told reporters on Friday. "We need to establish energy and the appeal of formula one."