A 2nd Spanish GP?
The layout of the 4.005 kilometer circuit is due to be changed in order to make it faster and more spectacular on the one hand, and to meet the standards of other current Formula One circuits on the other. However, the special character of the circuit will remain untouched by the reconstruction measures. Currently, spectators can see the entire track from every single seat.
It is planned to extend the track to a total length of 4.4 kilometres, with a new straight, wider turns and two hairpins, in an attempt to create additional overtaking opportunities. At the same time, parts of the current infield section will be removed.
"We have decided to work ahead of a possible decision include the circuit on the Formula One calendar," said the track's General Manager, Eduardo Nogues. "Formula One is the benchmark for every racing facility and a dream for all Valencian racing fans, so now it's the time to show Bernie Ecclestone and everyone involved in F1 that Valencia wants to host a race." BMW
02/27/06 Spain has developed into one of the world's most intense centers of motor sport, and news this week suggests the trend is set to continue.
The circuit promoters in Valencia have held meetings with Bernie Ecclestone with a view to bringing the Circuito Ricardo Tormo on to the F1 calendar in the near future.
Valencia already stages a round of the MotoGP World Championship and in April will host a round of the fast-growing GP2 series, the single-seaters which normally run as support races to the European F1 races.
Soon after meeting Mr. Ecclestone the circuit's administrators announced a program of rebuilding and development.
"We have decided to work ahead of a possible decision," they said. "Formula One is the benchmark for every racing facility."
The circuit will be lengthened to 4.4 km with a new straight, some of its tighter turns opened out and two new hairpins.
Grand Prix cars have been testing regularly at Valencia over the European winter and are due there again next week.
Spain already has a World Championship race at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, of course, while Jerez, a former venue for the Spanish and European Grands Prix, is also in regular testing use.
Should Valencia succeed in its latest ambition, it will become the sixth Spanish track to stage F1 racing, joining the two already mentioned, Pedralbes (Barcelona), Montjuich (Barcelona) and Jarama (Madrid).
02/23/06 (GMMf1NET) F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has reportedly played down suggestions that a second grand prix in Spain could soon be staged.
The 75-year-old met this week with officials of the 'Circuit de la Comunitat Ricardo Tormo' – otherwise known as Valencia – in London.
Valencia's twisty layout will host GP2 and MotoGP rounds in 2006, and is a popular winter test venue for F1.
But, on the German language f1total.com website, Ecclestone – although not issuing a categorical denial – is quoted as saying: ''I have never been to Valencia.
''However, I know that it is a very good facility, and that formula one teams regularly test there.''
Spain's annual grand prix, with a contract to host F1 until 2011, is held at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Barcelona.