The wait is over. Two years after construction began, Madring is preparing to welcome eleven Formula 1 teams, and more than 120,000 spectators are expected to attend the event.
The Community of Madrid is fully committed to Formula 1 and aims to establish itself as an unmissable event on the calendar. To this end, it has signed a 10-year contract.
Nil Ojeda, a well-known Spanish YouTuber, has had the privilege of gaining access to the facilities in the days leading up to the paddock filling with people and the roar of engines. In his video, you can see various areas of the circuit that do not reflect well on the event organisers.
The IFEMA Madrid circuit still looks unfinished, and it is likely that some areas will not be fully completed by the time the Grand Prix takes place. Just as happened at the 2010 Korean Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso secured one of his victories as a Ferrari driver on a circuit that was practically still under construction.
It won’t happen this time, but what a wonderful outcome that would be for the driver himself and for the Spanish fans who will pack the stands.
This is the first time Madrid has hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since 1981. The Jarama Circuit, the organisers, in agreement with F1, have set ticket prices for the three days that are unaffordable. These prices are higher than those at other circuits with a higher status and better facilities.
These are the prices for three days’ access to the Madrid Grand Prix.
The circuit is well connected. Located very close to Adolfo Suárez Airport, foreign professionals and fans will be able to catch their flights once the event is over. For Spanish fans, there are city buses and a metro line connecting to Madrid city centre.
Friday will not be the first time a Formula 1 car has taken to the track at Madring. Ferrari visited on 9 July to hold a Filming Day and familiarise themselves with the circuit. The Cavallino Rampante team paid 150,000 euros to use the venue. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc each completed 100 kilometres and shared their impressions shortly afterwards.
The Monegasque driver said he loved the banked corner, known as ‘La Monumental’. “It’s a very special corner; it’s a corner where I felt in qualifying we’ll have to be very brave because it’s going to be right on the limit.
“It’s going to be a really cool corner, and I do believe it can become one of the most iconic corners of the season,” said the Predestinato. “I have no doubt I’ll love Madrid; you have to give it your all, and I enjoy this kind of track.” This corner is 547 metres long and has a 24 per cent bank; the drivers will have to be brave not to lift off the throttle as they go through the corner.
The circuit, which is around 5.4 kilometres long, held up the Scuderia’s long runs during its first test. As the circuit’s ambassador, Carlos Sainz was also able to take to the track, though in his case he did so at the wheel of a Ford Mustang GT, rather than his Williams FW48.
Apart from Ferrari and Carlos Sainz, Formula 3 cars have also carried out tests.
Alonso was excited about racing at home again, although he hinted that he would first visit Montmeló to test other cars. It is worth remembering that, unlike Sainz, Alonso is an ambassador for the Catalan Grand Prix.
The new circuit is a perfect match for the Aston Martin, thanks to its twisty sections and the fact that top speed is not considered a major factor. Given the Asturian’s ability to set fast lap times on new circuits, we could well see Aston Martin take a step forward.
As a Spanish fan, it’s lovely to see the country making such a big commitment to the sport. This could help to fuel the passion of both existing fans and those who aren’t yet fans, who might take an interest because of the race’s proximity.
As for the circuit itself, it’s generating a lot of curiosity due to the danger of its bends and the limits the drivers will be forced to push. It’s been reported that there were 19 red flags during the Formula 3 tests.
It’s an exciting circuit because of its unique characteristics, but a single lapse in concentration could prove costly given how close the walls are. It’s always nice to add circuits where the talent of the 22 drivers takes centre stage and the importance of the power unit is sidelined.
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