This dead man is very alive

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, said this at the presentation of the future Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid in 2026: “Two races in Spain? Why not? “Barcelona is Formula 1.” And that’s it. This Tuesday, seven days after the official announcement at IFEMA, Barcelona-Catalonia Highway gathered a group of journalists in the capital to take stock of the past few months, list the important improvements and investments that have been made on the Montmelo route, and, of course, comment on the frenzied news. Among the conclusions drawn from this informal meeting, two can be highlighted: The competition between the two Spanish Formula 1 projects was positive and forced both to raise their level; and the track gap in the calendar after 2026 is in no way covered by Madrid.

The most responsible Oriol Sagrera (Director General of the District and Secretary General of the Generalitat Company) and Jose Luis Santamaria (CEO of Autodrom), They convey calm. There is no need to rush into renewal because They have a contract for three more publications. (2024, 2025 and 2026), but good harmony with Domenicali, regardless of whether Madrid succeeds. There is no unhealthy competition either; the IFEMA plan is being followed. In Spain there is room for two very different events. If eight or nine European races fit into a 24 Grand Prix calendar, Barcelona sees many opportunities and FOM is listening closely.

The name of the 2026 Grand Prix, when the Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Madrid, has not yet been determined, they clarify. It won’t be done anytime soon. Whether it will be the Barcelona, ​​Catalan or European Grand Prix, we will discuss later. In any case, given the nationalist connections of the current government in the Generalitat, it was never possible for them to identify the Formula 1 race exclusively with the Catalan region or the city of Barcelona.

Ambitious renovation project

Among the new features, Sagrera and Santamaria describe the latest steps An ambitious project for the reconstruction of the circuit. For now, the quarry building has been flipped over to accommodate mechanical curtains between garages (teams have asked for more space), soundproof VIP boxes or a 6,000 square meter covered terrace. The control tower has also been renovated and the video board was previously replaced or photovoltaic panels were installed in the main grandstand. The jewel in the crown is yet to come: The “Circuit Rooftop” will be a structure that will cross the track before Turn 10 and connect the paddock to the stadium with hospitality facilities and a rooftop terrace with enviable views. The building is scheduled to be ready for the next Spanish Grand Prix, which will take place on June 23 in Montmelo. These are the reforms the 33-year-old track has asked for.

Circuit is a semi-public company owned by the Generalitat, RACC and Montmelo City Council. Investments over these four years in the renovation of facilities will reach 50 million euros, they report. Their funds are public and they are not ashamed of it: each race brings in 250 million euros in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Tax collection (VAT, hotel fees) is approaching 60 million. It creates direct and indirect jobs and includes Barcelona in the exclusive list of cities hosting the grand prize. Tickets for the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix are bordering on “no tickets” and are waiting for the last seats to go on sale. As for the Catalan motorcycle GP, sales are currently improving on 2023 figures, although the pace is different. Formula 1 is the foundation of the circuit’s future, so they are demonstrating their commitment to maintaining it for many years to come. No matter what happens in Madrid.

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