New F1 circuit boss issues defiant response to constant rumours

Luis Garcia Abad, general director of the new Spanish Grand Prix, has shot down rumours the event will be replaced on this year's calendar due to apparent delays in the construction of the Madring circuit.

The race, which has taken up the Spanish GP moniker from long-time host, Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, is set for September 11-13 at a site in Madrid located at IFEMA, one of Europe's leading convention venues.

However, recent images, including those taken by RacingNews365 Formula E correspondent Nick Golding whilst in Madrid for a round of the motorsport series in March, indicated that construction appeared to be behind schedule.

There have additionally been rumours that if the circuit is not completed on time, or does not pass the necessary FIA homologation tests, then F1 could look for a substitute race to fill the potential vacancy on the calendar.

After its race was cancelled in April due to the United States-Iran war, Saudi Arabia is known to be seeking a reinstatement, subject to the conflict in the Middle East finally ending.

Addressing the speculation, speaking to RacingNews365, Garcia Abad said: "It [another race] is not possible in terms of the contract.

"Rumours are rumours; every day, everywhere in the F1 paddock. But it's not the case. We've heard rumours about Imola, Turkey, but they're the kind of rumours that, when you visit the venue, it's not a big problem in terms of time."

Asked directly whether he was 100 per cent convinced the race would go ahead, he replied: "No doubts about that. The FIA, FOM, and ourselves, we don't have any problem in terms of delivering the event properly."

'Fantasy' facilities for other circuits

The main area of concern is the construction, especially the infrastructure around the circuit, such as grandstands and numerous other facilities required to ensure the event passes smoothly for the 120,000 fans who will attend daily across the weekend.

The Circuit de Catalunya has often been criticised in the past for not doing enough, or for not possessing the necessary amenities, to cater for the 100,000 spectators in attendance.

"With these kinds of things, you have to follow the experts, the construction, the plans, and everything is coming at the time that we planned," said Garcia Abad, who confirmed the laying of the asphalt would be concluded at the end of this month.

"So things look great in terms of the delivery of the project, in terms of construction.

"We still have a lot of things to do, but one of the important things is that we are using the pre-existing IFEMA facilities, which have been there for the last 35 years.

"So we have energy, parking, and a metro station in the main entrance. We have wifi and toilets, things that for a normal circuit are a fantasy, but here, we have them covered before the start."

Highlighting an issue that has occurred, Garcia Abad added, "The main problem in the last month is that we have had to synchronise the construction activities with the exhibition centre business.

"So we have to respect the work that we have been doing because it's something important and something we have to cover day by day."

Highlighting the fact that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently inspected the site, Garcia Abad said: "Together, we are following all the things around the construction.

"To be honest, we are covering the most important things without any special thoughts."