PREPARATIONS for Madrid’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix in more than four decades have been hit by a major setback after thieves stole cables from electrical generators at the brand-new Madring street circuit.
The Policia Nacional have launched an investigation after the theft was discovered on Sunday in a tunnel section of the track near the IFEMA exhibition centre.
No suspects have yet been identified, while the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
The incident comes with the circuit in the final stages of preparation for the Spanish Grand Prix, which is due to take place from September 11 to 13 – the first time the capital has hosted a race since 1981 at the Circuito del Jarama.
The bulk of construction work took place during the first half of the year, while the 5.4km-long track hosted Formula 3 testing last month ahead of its much-anticipated F1 debut in less than two weeks’ time.
But the tests also provided the first taste of the noise concerns surrounding the circuit – built at a cost of €83 million – with sound levels reportedly exceeding legal limits and prompting complaints from nearby residents.
The Stop F1 Madrid platform said neighbours had recorded average noise levels of 102.7 decibels during the tests, with a peak of 109.1 decibels.
The maximum noise level permitted in residential areas under Spanish law is 55 decibels.
Campaigners have also raised concerns over air pollution, the rerouting of a protected livestock trail, the destruction of wetlands, tree felling and the amount of public money being spent on the project.
There have also been allegations of irregularities surrounding the circuit’s planning and licensing process, with several complaints from groups including the Madrid Ecologist Platform and Stop F1 Madrid currently being considered by courts.
But judges have so far rejected requests for injunctions that would have stopped the Grand Prix from going ahead.
Madrid’s regional government has remained firmly supportive of the race, with right-wing president Isabel Diaz Ayuso urging residents to ‘sacrifice a little’ to allow the capital to extract ‘value’ from hosting Formula 1.
“It’s worth a little bit of sacrifice from all of us…given the profitability of this event for the Madrid region and the city of Madrid and, above all, given how it will position us internationally,” said Jorge Rodrigo, the regional minister for housing, transport and infrastructure.
“We should be congratulating ourselves that Madrid is hosting such an important and significant event that will put us at the epicentre of great sporting events,” added Borja Carabante, Madrid’s city councillor for urban planning, mobility and the environment.
“It’s amazing news for all the people of Madrid and it’s putting Madrid on the map.”
A spokesperson for the Madring said: “Protecting the wellbeing of local residents and reducing the environmental impact are a priority for the organisers, and we are therefore working continuously with the relevant authorities and various stakeholders to implement mitigation and improvement measures.”
The layout of the new circuit, featuring 20 turns and located just five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, was first revealed in early 2024.
According to Formula 1, the location of the circuit will allow 90 per cent of fans to arrive via public transport as the sport seeks to become more sustainable.
The regional government says the Grand Prix will provide a €450m annual boost to Madrid’s economy, alongside the creation of over 8.000 jobs.
The circuit is set to have the capacity to host more than 110,000 motorsport fans per day across grandstands, general admission and VIP hospitality, with plans to grow that figure to 140,000 – making Madrid one of the largest venues on the calendar.
The contract to host the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid will last an initial 10 years until 2035.
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