Valencia Street Circuit: first impressions

Thanks to Dunlop and its Quiero Ser Piloto programme, this weekend we have been at the Valencia Street Circuit talking with drivers, walking through the paddock, drawing our own conclusions with our own eyes and, of course, watching the International GT Open races in the GTA category.

First of all, it is worth noting that part of the America’s Cup infrastructure has been reused, which has meant reducing its costs and initial investment to just 90 million euros. The total length of the track is 5,473.5 metres with a total of 25 corners (11 left-handers and 14 right-handers) and an estimated maximum and minimum speed of 323.3 and 95.2 km/h respectively, with an average of 201.3 km/h, completing a lap in a little under 1 minute and 40 seconds.

After the obligatory figures, the first thing we decided to do was put ourselves in the position of any visitor to the F1 GP and check the real possibilities of entering through one of its 8 gates in search of parking. The main one, the one through which we entered, is located at the end of Avenida del Puerto, a 5-lane street that, as its name suggests, leads to the port, and which we found closed 2-3 blocks before the end. This forced us to take a perpendicular street where parking could easily be found. In any case, the recommended entrance is A or, failing that, B.

After walking barely 10 minutes, we came across the grandstand straight and the large fast corner at its end. For this particular event there was no entrance, since just 20 metres from the fence separating the circuit there was a knee-high wall that prevented us from getting any closer, but with a fairly good direct view of the circuit.

For the more savvy, there are several numbered car parks marked with colours where you can leave your vehicle; the more savvy you are, the closer to the paddock and the grandstands you will be. Of course, this is what we found, but it need not be repeated at the F1 races. From these car parks there was a shuttle that stopped at the various points of interest, so it was not necessary to walk much.

Once inside, everything reminds us of the America’s Cup, as the painted façades of the buildings of the Challengers have been preserved and are reused as convention rooms, terraces or Organisation buildings.

What interested us were the garages of each of the teams, and there were plenty. We were able to get a close look at each of the participating cars, chat with drivers and also ask them about the new track and, of course, see up close the atmosphere (and intensity) of work at a moment before the race. It is all nerves, last-minute adjustments to the cars, getting everything ready so it works on the asphalt and only worrying about overtaking as many cars as possible. The goal: to be the first to see the chequered flag.

During one of those breaks, we were able to speak with Miguel Angel de Castro, and asked him about the new circuit. As is logical on a new circuit, the needs of the current moment have been taken into account, but it also has to be designed so that drivers like it, it is easy to drive and, most importantly, that there are safe run-off areas. Of course, it has not disappointed.

The feeling in the paddock and among the drivers who have been able to try it for themselves could not be better. In Castro’s words, it is a very complete track. There are slow and fast corners (the last and first, respectively, are a case in point), but it is also a fun circuit where you need good brakes, as it is a constant accelerating and braking, which is why it wears the brakes down a great deal. Without doubt, this new track seems to have brought the man from Ávila luck, since let us remember he climbed 7 places and crossed the finish line 7th.

To conclude, and as a negative note, there is still quite a lot to be done this month. Many things are provisional, everything is very new, and it gets rather hot when you are in the sun, bearing in mind that the Valencia F1 Grand Prix will be held in the middle of August. I don’t think wet-weather tyres will be needed.

Photos | Highmotor