It was a few years ago when Stefano Domenicali began to look at Madrid with interest. He always saw it as an ideal place for Formula 1 in its global diversification, because not all destinations were exotic. The historical strength of the capital of Spain, its two-hour flight distance from the rest of European cities, and its tourist growth seemed like more than enough ingredients to consider a return of the great single-seater competition, which has been absent since its last races at the old Jarama circuit back in 1981. "I am very pleased with how things are going at the Madrid circuit," said the current CEO of Formula 1 yesterday in a video conference with representatives of the Spanish press.
His love affair with the capital began 16 years ago when Ferrari, the legendary team he led, signed Fernando Alonso and partnered with Banco Santander, a Spanish duo that became part of the Cavallino cars. When Luis García Abad (now director of the Madrid GP) and José Vicente de los Mozos (president of Ifema) presented the possibility of creating a circuit on the lands adjacent to the airport, around the fairground, he quickly showed interest. Now, exactly 100 days before the event's opening, he appears proud and involved in the idea. "Haven't you been there in a while? They are on schedule, the track is ready," he reviewed yesterday with that friendly smile that always made him stand out in the Formula 1 paddock, where shark-like behavior is common.
Aerial view of La Monumental curve, in Madring.EM
From that vision of his two friends (one a historic manager of Alonso and the other, a high-ranking executive at Renault), a circuit, Madring, grew, which is now rushing to be inaugurated with politicians on June 16. "We have a very good relationship with the mayor, with the president of Madrid, and also with the Spanish government, but it is important to highlight that the investment is private," emphasized Domenicali yesterday, following the argument that both Ifema and the political administrations have repeated since the fight began to secure the Grand Prix that will belong to Spain for the next 10 years, with September 13 as the first Sunday of the signed series.
"Your country is a very important market for Formula 1. It is the sport with the most impact after soccer," pointed out the head of the World, who has closely followed the progress of a track that he views with hope. "It will be exciting because it has several overtaking points and spectacular areas," he noted as technical nuances of the track, highlighting the huge banked curve, La Monumental, which the promoters hope will become the flagship of the Grand Prix.
"It will be a very good promotion for the city, the circuit is close to the center but without disrupting traffic, and next to the airport," he added, also highlighting the response from sponsors. "It will be a Grand Prix with a marked Madrid flavor [although he said 'madridista' to correct himself amidst laughter, perhaps influenced by his good friend José Mourinho].
On Monday, a large delegation from the International Federation (FIA) was reviewing the completion of the permanent circuit works, scheduled to be delivered by May 31. The construction of the buildings that will house the pits and the paddock club is estimated by Ifema to be completed within a month. "Everything is under control, I have no concerns," Domenicali reiterated about the progress of a project that is now entering the final 100 days towards its debut.