Secrets of the Formula 1 Grand Prix Madrid circuit: “It won’t be easy” | Relief

The return of Formula 1 to Madrid is now a reality, after months of information, rumors and doubts. Although it is not yet 100% tangible, the event organized this Tuesday in IFEMA It was a declaration of intent that received the full support of Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. The first diagram of IFEMA Madrid’s future semi-urban complex has opened the eyes of many, but it is not the final version and there are still details to be clarified.

It all started in last months of autumn 2022, when IFEMA put out to tender the design of the circuit with which it wanted to return Formula 1 to Madrid 45 years later (the last race in Jarama took place in 1981, and the return will take place in 2026). The winner was Dromoan Italian company that has been responsible for the reconstruction of the legendary Zandvoort route, the latest reforms in Singapore, Spa-Francorchamps and Imola and others, and which has been a benchmark in the sector since 2000.

Since then there have been several sketches on the design tablemany modifications, many other ideas and the illusion of doing something different in the world of racing. The desire to celebrate the before and after, as they did with Zandvoort and its two fantastic curves, was the driving force from the very beginning.

Among the innovative ideas, in addition to introduce the bank (steeper than the third turn of the Dutch trackas Relevo learned, which already has Maximum side slope 35%) is to drive the fastest cars on the planet through two pavilions at the Madrid fair.

Nevertheless, Banking transactions are subject to approval by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)., which will have to approve the route and its final version, as well as loopholes, stands and safety barriers. The initial idea is to have 360° stand inside it and a camera shot showing a panorama of the financial city’s five towers.

Theme of the two pavilions supportas the first official version of the route surrounds them and goes beyond them before turning right and after two 90° turns to the finish line. Everything will depend on whether Formula 1 finalizes the idea and whether the FIA ​​gives the go-ahead. on a bet that would be completely unprecedented in the Circus Maximus, although it has already been done in the past in Formula E (category of 100% electric single-seaters).

First version of the IFEMA Madrid scheme, modifiable.

The first recreations of the layout, based on information collected at that time, were published in Relevo in the first quarter of 2023. While the first public version, unveiled on Tuesday, has notable differences, it is broadly consistent with what the medium is expected to deliver. September 2022.

The route will have 5474 km longconsidering the average distance of the latest additions to the Formula 1 calendar (Las Vegas, Miami, Jeddah) and will have at least 20 curves (not reaching as many as 27 Arabic layouts) with a gap Width 12 and 15 meters.. Moreover, it will be counted”four clear overtaking points” And two tunnels which will pass under the M-11 motorway to reach Valdebebas and return back to IFEMA.

Jarno Zaffelli, Dromo’s CEO, assured on Tuesday that a “top speed of up to 300 km/h” will be achieved, but they will not present it to the FIA ​​”until the F1 2026 rules are final.” He unevenness that, according to the Italian company’s forecasts, 10 meters between the highest and lowest part; And will use only 1.5 km of public roads. The goal is to achieve a zero carbon footprint during construction and operation.

The lap time will be around 1:32 with the current provisional configuration.which will make the Madrid circuit slower than Miami and Las Vegas, the two latest developments in Formula 1 in these years.

Pilots’ opinions are key to its design

“It will be an exciting and safe route,” Zaffelli said. The Italian claims that Dromo had opinions expressed by pilots about the latest additions to the calendar and what “They demand fast and secure plans and more banking services in Formula 1. after its reintroduction at Zandvoort, where fast sections alternate with twisty sections.”

As Relevo learned, Emanuele Pirro – Formula 1 driver from 1989 to 1991 for Benetton and five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – was the Italian company’s main advisor on the requirements of modern cars and the perspective of a proven driver.

Another detail is that the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix (from 2026 to 2035 in Madrid) will be the first to host 100% indoor paddock next to the Paddock Club, after Miami used Hard Rock Stadium for the purpose last year. In addition, the remaining pavilions will be used for VIPs.

They are waiting 110,000 spectators in several stands who will travel along the highway. Most of them will be focused on the finish line and the Valdebebas corner.

Next steps include deciding the bidding process for organizing the event and, once a decision has been made, submitting the entire project, including the track, for FIA approval. IFEMA will organize the event. construction of the route will take from 10 to 11 monthswhich should begin no later than the first half of 2025.

“It will be a challenge for drivers and their cars. Madrid is as unique as it is unique.” Statement of Intent. Another one.