Iconic Spanish Grand Prix MOVED amid fears for Barcelona track’s future with new F1 race on stunning circuit
FORMULA ONE chiefs have signed a 10-year deal with Madrid to become the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix.
It will replace Barcelona’s out-dated Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on the schedule, which has been a key venue for the sport since 1991.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya faces an uncertain future
GettyThe drivers will drive next to Real Madrid’s training base[/caption]
But F1 will return to the capital from the 2026 season for the first time since 1981.
Spain’s new circuit will mix street and “non-street sections”.
It will be located near Barajas airport and next to Real Madrid’s training base Ciudad in the suburb of Valdebebas.
The track will be built around the Ifema exhibition centre.
110,000 supporters per day will be able to attend and there are plans to extend the capacity to 140,000.
Fans and drivers will be in for a treat with a “premium Paddock building, a new race tower, office spaces, VIP hospitality and entertainment areas” to be constructed.
F1 chiefs officially revealed that the 5.47km circuit will feature 20 corners and it is going to join the calendar on a long-term deal until 2035.
The track is also committed to reaching “Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and plans to be the most sustainable event of the season”.
All buildings will use renewable energy and any temporary structure will be made of recyclable materials.
Stefano Domenicali, F1 president said: “Madrid is an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain.
“I would like to thank the team at Ifema Madrid, the Regional Government of Madrid and the city’s Mayor for putting together a fantastic proposal.
“It truly epitomises Formula One’s vision to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and entertainment that delivers maximum value for fans and embraces innovation and sustainability.”
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