Valencia vying for GP status
Valencia could host a grand prix in the near future after plans were announced to upgrade the venue to Formula One standard.
The Spanish track, which is already popular with teams as a testing venue, does not meet Formula One race standards but its owners plan to update the facility.
The track will be lengthened by 400metres, including the addition of two hairpins and a longer straight, to make overtaking easier on a lay-out which is considered too tight for Formula One.
In a statement, Valencia’s general manager Eduardo Nogues said: “Formula One is the maximum reference for any installation in the world of the motorsport. It is a dream for motorsport fans in Valencia.
“Now is the moment for demonstrating to Bernie Ecclestone and all those involved in Formula One that Valencia wants to host a race.”
Barcelona has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991 but Fernando Alonso’s success has seen a massive increase in interest in the sport in Spain.
With both German venues struggling to break even in the wake of Michael Schumacher’s slump, Spain – and Valencia – could step in as host to the nomadic European Grand Prix, currently held at the Nurburgring.
Valencia already hosts a round of the MotoGP series and a stand-alone weekend for Formula One feeder series GP2 takes place in April.
