President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso wrote a letter signed by Enrique López, the city's Secretary of Presidency, Justice and Interior, to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali - asking for another race to be held on Spanish soil
Formula One continues to expand around the world at a rapid pace, with a calendar that continues to grow and may grow even more for the next season. There are many cities that want to host a race of the highest category of motorsports, and unfortunately for the fans, there are few available seats.
In full expansion in the United States, with the will to land in Africa and the desire to increase its offer in Asia, the category's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, received this week another application to join the already extensive calendar: it is the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, which sent the Italian its interest in hosting an F1 race through its Secretary of Presidency, Justice and Interior, Enrique López.
According to El Confidencial, the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, sent a letter to Domenicali to formally communicate the interest in hosting a Formula 1 event. The project is in its early stages, but the parties involved are working to create the bid with all the guarantees.
"It is a pleasure to write to you on behalf of the Government of the Community of Madrid to express our interest in the development of a Formula 1 GP in Madrid. We want to be in Formula 1, it is a great opportunity for the region," began the letter signed by Enrique López, which was reported by Spanish media.
Madrid has been on the Formula 1 calendar in the past. The Jarama circuit hosted nine editions of the Spanish GP between 1969 and 1981. Madrid's infrastructure could be one of the city's 'assets', although the facilities must be renovated to meet FIA (International Automobile Federation) standards. A few months ago, a project arose for the creation of a circuit in Morata de Tajuña, still in process, which could also be considered an option if it finds feasibility. What seems unlikely today is the occurrence of an urban race through the middle of the city.
"We have an extensive and efficient transportation network, a pleasant climate, high-level tourist, cultural, gastronomic and natural attractions. An extensive and excellent hotel infrastructure and a varied commercial offer with a unique, open and welcoming freedom of schedules for visitors," said the letter sent by Madrid.
Once the proposal has been sent, the Spanish city is waiting for the Formula 1 management to inform the next steps that must be taken to consolidate the candidacy. "I would like to confirm our commitment to you and to this project, as well as our willingness to sign the appropriate agreements to promote this race and offer a great sporting and leisure spectacle. We are ready to work with your team to bring Formula 1 to Madrid," the letter concluded.
The proposal must also be evaluated economically, as financial viability may depend on subsidies, as is the case with the Spanish GP in Catalonia, where the local government has allocated 19 million euros in 2021. In fact, Liberty Media has renewed the contract with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya until 2026, which could also hold back the entry of a second race in the country, especially given the large supply of destinations that Formula 1 is currently receiving.