An Introduction to the European Grand Prix
In 2008, the Valencia Street Circuit hosted its first F1 Grand Prix. Somewhat of a misnomer, titled the European Grand Prix, this is one of two F1 Grand Prix races held in Spain during the F1 season. The European Grand Prix title was created as an honorific race title by the FIA’s predecessor and has been used as a name for the Italian Grand Prix, French Grand Prix and Belgian Grand Prix.
Parts of the track, such a new bridge over the canal linking the north and south marina, have been specially constructed for the Grand Prix. The street circuit meets all modern safety measures as well as maximising the fans’ experience. Every year the street circuit takes over the gentrified old industrial port area of the city of Valencia. Drivers pass some of the city’s most famous landmarks and the race presents TV viewers with some excellent views of the city’s waterfront area.
Valencia is an historic Spanish coastal city, centrally located for Spanish fans for Spain’s second F1 race of the season. The other, the Spanish Grand Prix, is held at the Circuit de Catalunya. The city’s seven-year contract with the FIA had broken the tradition of rotating the event between Spanish circuits. However, the European Grand Prix has been plagued with low attendance and the FIA recently announced that it would be discontinuing the European Grand Prix in 2013. This will reduce Spain’s hosting of F1 races to only one and return to its alternating schedule between Barcelona and Valencia.
The modern town is one of wide, tree-lined boulevards while the old town is characterised by old-fashioned patios and plazas. The neo-classical cathedral is one of the city’s highlights, and the bell tower offers unrivalled panoramic views. The Museo de Bellas Artes has a splendid art collection and the science museum is a huge futuristic entertainment complex.
The 2011 European Grand Prix was won by Sebastian Vettel, his second in a row.