two tunnels, 5.4 km of suburban highway and 300 km/h.
This Tuesday, Formula 1 announced that the Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Madrid between 2026 and 2035. The Ifema Madrid Circuit, the name given to the new circuit, will have a route 5474 kilometers and an approximate lap time of 1’32”. It will not, as many expected, pass through the center of the capital, but will pass both around and inside Ifema. This will be a hybrid tour. semi-urbanin which cars will race on Ifema’s private roads, on the future streets of the Valdebebas site and on 1.5 kilometers of public roads.
According to the organizers, the current project is subject to approval by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). It is being designed by Dromo, an expert track design company since 2000, with proven experience at circuits such as Singapore, Silverstone or Spa, among others. However, they believe it will provide an experience more similar to that experienced at Miami International Raceway, given its semi-urban nature.
“Many sites will have a temporary track-type installation, but there are other sections that may look or feel slightly different depending on the final implementation decisions that are suitable for the IFEMA site,” explains the head of Formula 1 Vehicle Performance Craig. Wilson.
He has twenty curvesalthough only four overtaking zones. The estimated average speed will be 213 km/h, and at its highest point it can reach 300 km/h. Capacity will increase year by year, increasing from an initial 110,000 spectators to 140,000 in the fifth year.
Let’s go racing in Madrid!
Say hello to a brand new track built around @IFEMA Exhibition Center?#F1 pic.twitter.com/klysY8HAiT
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 23, 2024
Return to the scheme
According to its chief designer, Jarno ZaffelliCEO Dromo, this is what the route will be:
“Let us guide you as you explore corner by corner. It starts before the entrance to Ifema, clockwise, first turn left to enter the second turn and after 1000 meters at full speed arrive at the second overtaking point. Fifth. curve: from here you enter the first tunnel and rise 10 meters at 8% compression to the “bunker”. You then enter the Valdebebas curve blindly. This leads to the third overtaking point, about 1500 meters before the limit. From there we reach the fourth overtaking point after a very fast turn and an oncoming braking turn in Hall 14. The last two turns are 90 degrees in perfect city style and we find ourselves in front of the main building to celebrate our winners.”
As the most symbolic moments, the current design emphasizes Valdebebas curvefast curve of large magnitude, Bank of the Seinehigh-speed half-straight leading to the finish, or the line itself Finish line, which runs along the front and main entrance of Ifema. And also several purely urban 90-degree turns or two of its tunnels. Thus, the currently planned scheme will cross the M11 underground as from the outside Ifema tunnel as for him Valdebebas Tunnelto also partially surround the Real Madrid sports city, with these two tunnels being two of the circuit’s greatest attractions.
“From the first proposal to where we ended up, there were about 24 track models, but then there was a lot of research into sub-models as well as various parts,” explains Wilson, who has been involved in the process from the beginning. “We now have a concept that we’re excited to continue to develop, and we’re excited to see it take shape.”
Judging by the Formula 1 bodywork, this design delivers on everything from fast corners to tight chicanes, long straights to short bursts of throttle, offering those behind the wheel a varied experience. “I think it will be a good test for the drivers,” Wilson adds.
But, without a doubt, the main attraction of the circuit, according to its organizers, will be the Ifema facilities. Already home to some of the most important international exhibitions, this venue has already shown what it can do. Thus, the Madrid Ifema circuit will bring more 200,000 m2 of covered pavilions, with 10,000 meters dedicated to multi-purpose meetings. Moreover, his own Paddock will be in one of the pavilions, being the only one completely covered in the entire championship.
“The entire infrastructure is equipped with the latest technology and advanced security, communications and air conditioning systems that will raise the standard of experience for both participants and passionate Formula 1 fans, creating unprecedented competition spaces such as an indoor paddock and air-conditioned or large areas for fan entertainment.” , – emphasizes Ifema.
Another “weapon” of the Madrid Circuit will be its excellent communication network, both with public transport and with the road network. Just five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, the route will take advantage of all the connectivity that Ifema has both by metro and bus, both from the city center and from the airport. According to the organizers, it will be Grand Prix is best connected to public transport the entire championship. Those who want or are able to come by car will also be able to take advantage of 10,000 parking spaces.
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