A cabinet minister in Madrid has written to former Ferrari boss and current F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in order to express interest in hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the future.
The Spanish Grand Prix has taken place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmelo for 31 years. However, the current deal between Formula 1 and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is available for four more years and Madrid has officially thrown its hat in the ring as a potential host beyond 2026.
The ideal may be looked favourably on by the sport’s chiefs taking into consideration the recent issues which marked the race this season. Given the increased interest in the sport swelling to an all-time high, the infrastructure at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was not able to accommodate such crowds and many fans had to deal with huge raffic jams when attempting to reach or leave the Spanish track during the race weekend.
At the same time, the closest train station in Montmelo had unexpectedly high number of passengers and this led to further delays for those heading back to Barcelona city centre. The bid therefore comes at a moment the Barcelona organisers are in hot water with Formula 1 bosses for the unfortunate events which took place a few weeks ago and that should be fixed for next season.
In the open letter, which the government posted on Twitter earlier today, the government of Madrid confirmed they are ready to “offer a great sporting and entertainment spectacle. It is my pleasure to write to you on behalf of the government of the Community of Madrid to express our interest in the development of a Formula 1 grand prix in Madrid,” Enrique Lopez, a cabinet minister for the Community of Madrid, wrote.
“As you may know, the region of Madrid is experiencing an outstanding economic and social development in the Spanish and European contexts. We are welcoming an increasing number of visitors from all over the world and the sporting competitions are becoming more and more prestigious and appreciated in the Community of Madrid. We have an extensive and efficient transport network, a pleasant climate, first class cultural, gastronomic and natural tourist attractions, a wide and excellent hotel infrastructure and a diverse commercial offer with a unique freedom of opening hours. I believe that holding in Madrid a motor racing event, which is one of the most exciting sporting phenomena of our time, would be a success for all the professionals, institutions and companies involved in the development of Formula 1.” – the note continued.
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The Spanish judge and politician serving as Cabinet Minister of Justice, Interior and Victims of the Community of Madrid signs off his letter by stating that the government wants to work with current F1 chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali and the team to bring Formula 1 to Madrid.
“Of course, it would also be a satisfaction for the whole region and its citizens. That is why the Government of the Community of Madrid has the greatest interest in making it possible. In short, I would like to confirm our commitment to you and to this project, as well as our willingness to sign the appropriate agreements to promote the race and offer a great sporting and entertainment spectacle. We are ready to work with you and your team to bring Formula 1 to Madrid.”
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