Valencia Formula One under negotiation

One of the most exciting and best-attended events in Torrevieja during 2012 was the Kingfisher Formula One day with Adrian Sutil and his Force India Car.

Thousands of people flocked to the Marina Salinas to see the star for themselves with the event also acting as a springboard to promote the 2012 Formula One season, which for the last few years has featured two races, in Barcelona and Valencia. Valencia is the chosen track for pre-season testing although the Formula One race takes place through the harbour areas and the city’s streets; such as it does in Monte Carlo. However, due to Spain’s economic crisis, things might be about to change regarding Valencia’s future involvement in this most prestigious of motoring events.

Last week, Regional government spokesman, Joseph Císcar, announced that measures to reduce Government public expenditure included the renegotiation of the contract with the Formula One tycoon Bernie Ecclestone. Valencia has the contract to accommodate up to three more tests up to the 2014 European Formula One Grand Prix, which takes place every year on the Valencia street circuit at a cost of about 25 million euros of public money.

In December the regional government announced it was purchasing Valmore Sport, who back on June 1, 2007 signed a deal to host the Valencia race for seven years with Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone for the cost of 12 million euros per year. With purse strings tightening, negotiations are again underway with Mr. Ecclestone to see if a new deal can be worked out. Fans of Formula One will hope that the Gran Prix will return to Valencia for 2012, now that local appetite for the sport has been whetted since Sutil’s visit last month.

Eva Benito