Jarno Zaffelli: Designer of the semi-urban Formula 1 circuit in Madrid: “Let people be calm; Madrid will not be like Valencia” | Formula 1 | Kinds of sports

One of the most frequent questions asked by Jarno Zaffelli, the renowned face of Dromo, the studio responsible for designing the Madrid circuit, concerns Valencia and its bombastic but ephemeral commitment to Formula 1. Only because of the bombast with which conversations with Liberty Media were telegraphed. promoter of the World Cup, very in style…

One of the most frequent questions to Jarno Zaffelli, the renowned face of Dromo, the studio responsible for designing the Madrid circuit, concerns Valencia and its bombastic but ephemeral commitment to Formula 1. Only because of the bombast with which conversations with Liberty were telegraphed Media, the promoter of the World Cup, is very much in the style of the overexposure of Rita Barbera and Francisco Camps, mayor of Valencia and president of the Valencian Community when the championship landed there in 2008. That route, which should have been a source of pride for Valencians, wandered through the back sheds of the port city of Turia and bordered an area of ​​shacks that had nothing. This involved a track that would resemble the Monaco circuit.

The one in Madrid will not pass even remotely close to any of Madrid’s main tourist attractions, but will instead pass through a practically industrial area reserved for fairs. However, Zaffelli believes that the particular environment of the Ifema Pavilion and the Valdebebas site gave his working group the opportunity to create something completely unique. “Formula 1 fans have told me many times that please, let’s not do the same as in Valencia. But let people be calm: Madrid will not be like Valencia. Basically, because we didn’t design Valencia,” explains Zafelli in a telephone conversation with EL PAÍS.

Dromo has extensive experience in the field of layout and design. His latest work is the reconstruction of the Zandvoort circuit in Holland. From there they came up with the idea of ​​a slanted curve in the style of American ovals, the slope of which had yet to be determined. This aspect, like others, will not be determined until more details are known about the new rules that are due to appear on the scene in 2026. “Ifema never told us how she wanted to build the track in terms of route. They only told us that they wanted unique proposals that were efficient, sustainable and durable,” emphasizes the technician, whose company has just completed renovation work in Mugello.

“The cornerstone of our offering has always been fan engagement. That’s why we drew the curves with the intention that the stands would be as close as possible,” continues Zaffelli, who considers the Ifema facilities a unique attraction. So much so that the assembly of the team tents will take place indoors, so the grand hospitality European events. “The rollout will be like a transoceanic race,” Zaffelli emphasizes.

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