Madrid circuit on track for September debut with test event planned
The new Madrid Formula 1 circuit is on schedule for its September debut, with officials planning a summer test event to finalize preparations. The 5.4km track, featuring a unique blend of permanent and street sections along with a banked corner and a tunnel, aims to establish itself as Spain's long-term Grand Prix venue.
The new Madrid circuit is progressing on schedule for its Formula 1 debut this September, with track officials confirming plans for a test event this summer to finalize preparations for the Spanish Grand Prix. The 5.4km venue, blending permanent track and public roads, aims to become a long-term home for F1 in Spain.
Why it matters:
The addition of the Madrid Grand Prix represents a significant shift in F1's European calendar, bringing the sport back to the Spanish capital for the first time in over four decades. A successful debut is crucial for establishing a new, modern venue in a key market and could reshape the future of the Spanish Grand Prix, which has been held exclusively at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya since 1991.
The details:
- Construction Status: Despite years of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the project, construction at the Ifema Madrid complex is reportedly on target for completion in the coming months.
- Test Event: Circuit General Manager Luis Garcia Abad confirmed that once work is finished, a test event will be held to conduct final checks with the FIA and F1 before the race weekend on September 11-13.
- Track Layout: The circuit is a 5.4-kilometer, 22-turn layout designed to offer a technical challenge with a mix of slow, medium, and high-speed corners intended to promote overtaking.
- Key Features: Notable elements include:
- 'La Monumental': A steeply banked corner (24%) set to become a signature landmark.
- High-Speed Section: The 'Hortazela' and Turn 4 combination is projected to be the fastest point, with cars reaching approximately 340 kph (211 mph).
- Elevation Change: Cars will climb to 697 meters in altitude before descending through the technical ‘Bunker’ section.
- Tunnel: A unique element where cars will plunge into a tunnel at Turn 18 in the final sector, visible to spectators.
What's next:
All focus is on the final construction phase and the subsequent test event, which will be the first real-world validation of the circuit's design and facilities. A smooth operational test will be vital for ensuring the inaugural race weekend in September goes ahead without major issues, marking F1's return to Madrid after 46 years.