Valencia Street Circuit
European Grand Prix, Valencia, Spain
Spain’s booming interest in Formula 1 – no doubt fuelled by Fernando Alonso’s success – has earned the country a second race in Valencia for seven years from 2007. It’s a terrific city with a vibrant atmosphere, and fans who love the action of a street race won’t want to miss out on 2009 European Grand Prix tickets.
The 3.38-mile street circuit hugs the redeveloped waterfront of Spain’s third city, and at times resembles Monaco thanks to the shimmering Mediterranean background.
It has all of the atmosphere you’d expect from a street track but its width – at least 45 feet – makes it safe while also enouraging overtaking. The safety factor is vital, as top speeds can reach over 185 mph here.
Designers have given drivers a real test with a total of 25 turns – 11 right-hand and 14 left-hand – and have kept the action as close to the water as possible, crossing the canal on a swing bridge at one point.
Cars pass through the fish market area, leave the docks following the line of the river, slow for a tight hairpin and head down the Avenida de Francia. After a series of 'S' bends, cars turn sharply to the left and enter the home straight in the port area, where the pits and team garages are also located.
A Page & Moy escorted F1 tour is a fantastic way to see the race and explore Valencia (or relax on the coast, if you prefer).
Valencia was under the control of the North African Moors for many years and you can see their influence in the Old Town’s architecture.
A good starting point for sightseeing is the Miguelete bell tower, from where you can see many of the city’s most famous attractions. One highlight is Oceanografic (water world) at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of the Arts and Sciences), and the flamboyant Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas is also worth a visit.
Just outside the city in Bunol is La Tomatina – but don’t wear your best clothes as this is a very messy tomato-throwing festival. It takes place on the last Wednesday of August, which in 2009 falls on the Wednesday after the Grand Prix.
Spain has a fantastic national cuisine and foodies will love the Modernista market. Valencia is the home of paella, so why not pick up everything you’ll need to recreate the perfect one at home? And don’t just try the fishy kind: purists favour a paella of chicken and rabbit without a shellfish in sight.
How to book
View our complete list of F1 packages to the European Grand Prix this year.