The Telefonica Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe 2012, Valencia Street Circuit
The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe 2012 will take place in the weekend of 22 June – 24 June and will be hosted by Valencia Street Circuit. The event was only introduced in 2008, but has been a success ever since. The European Grand Prix will be held in Valencia at least until 2015, stated in the contract that was signed by Formula 1 magnate Bernie Ecclestone.
Since 2008, the European Grand Prix has taken place in Valencia annually, but the title ‘Grand Prix of Europe’ goes back already to 1920.
The first European Grand Prix
In its early years it was not a race in its own; it just bared the honorific title as one of the national Grand Prix races was named the European Grand Prix. This title was created by the FIA’s predecessor in the organization of motor racing events, called the AIACR.
The first race that was named the European Grand Prix was held in 1923 at Autodromo Nazionale di Monza in Italy and won by Carlo Salamano. The last one was the 1977 British Grand Prix. Since its reintroduction in the eighties, the European Grand Prix is usually held in a country that also hosts a national Grand Prix that same year.
Introduction of the European F1 Grand Prix in Valencia
In 2007 rumours about a possible second Spanish Grand Prix were getting stronger and stronger. The former European Grand Prix, which was hosted in Germany, had financial problems and was therefore skipped. Soon the F1 world started speculating on a replacing event, with Valencia on top of the list. The local government of Valencia already approved plans in February 2007 to amend the city’s streets to welcome the exciting F1 cars. After a long negotiation, Ecclestone officially confirmed the new event by signing the contract on June 1st of that same year. The race was introduced under the new name of Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe.
Design of Valencia Street Circuit
Valencia Street Circuit is situated around the Juan Carlos 1 Marina, which was the base for the 32nd America’s Cup, one of the most important sailing competitions in the world. Herman Tilke designed the 5.419 km long track, but encountered opposition already after the first race in 2008. It was said that the circuit was boring due to a lack of opportunities for the drivers to overtake. In a press conference after that first race on August 24th 2008, Jorge Martinez Aspar, president of the official organization confirmed that they would take the drivers’ criticism into account for future events. They kept their promise and the layout of the track was optimized in 2009 and 2010 in order to meet the drivers’ and visitors’ expectations. The track was modified by expansion from the city towards the port and now links two of the great maritime avenues. It is one of the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar with a track record of 1:38.683, on the name of Timo Glock in 2009.
Tickets now available – Join the fourth F1 Valencia Grand Prix
Tickets for the 2012 event are now available in our ticket shop. The ticket list is divided in four categories: Main, Malvarossa, Nazaret and Grao. On the map next to the ticket list you will find the exact location of each section and grandstand to make it easy and simple to pick your favorite viewing location.
In 2012 the event will even be better than previous years. All grandstands have been updated again to improve the quality of view. Overall pricing of the tickets has dropped by 12% and stands G3, G4 and G5 have been replaced by Grao Balcony a terrace stand. Check our ticket list now!
We hope to meet you soon in our ticket shop!
