Valencia race chief Gonzalo Gobert has confirmed moves are afoot to host the European grand prix street race only once every two years. It emerged recently that the regional governments of Valencia and Catalonia have finally agreed that, amid Spain's economic crisis, Bernie Ecclestone's race alternating scheme is the best way forward.
So when asked how the city of Valencia can imagine sustaining both F1 and MotoGP amid the economic crisis, Gobert told Marca newspaper: "The key is the alternation. The solution is alternation," he repeated. "At present, having two F1 races in Spain in May and June makes no sense. The alternation will work perfectly because it means the country does not stop (hosting F1). It (F1) is a great promotional tool but, like everything, you have to rationalise it."
Gobert admitted that the financial figures for Valencia's recent grands prix are "not good". "On the other hand I think a formula one grand prix is not to make money. If someone manages that, give him the Nobel Prize for economics. It is an event of 500 million viewers and 187 countries that fills up restaurants and hotels. If you make money as well, you would have invented the wheel. Instead, you have to have a balance and so we are reducing the budget where we can," he said.
The next step, he acknowledged, is to finalise the alternating scheme with F1 chief executive Ecclestone. Asked if he is seeking a reduced sanctioning fee, Gobert answered: "I understand that the negotiations will take into consideration everything to fit the current situation. But this is at the governmental level, even if I know that they are negotiating." (GMM)
Valencia chief backs Spanish alternation scheme
- Published on 14 Jun 2012 13:29
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
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Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
10 - Apr 12
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Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
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Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
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Circuit de Catalunya
26 - Jun 28
Austria
Red Bull Ring
3 - Jul 5
United Kingdom
Silverstone
17 - Jul 19
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
24 - Jul 26
Hungary
Hungaroring
21 - Aug 23
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
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