Carlos Sainz Completes First Lap on New Madrid F1 Circuit
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz completed the inaugural lap on Madrid’s new Madring circuit, marking a historic return of the Spanish Grand Prix to the capital after 45 years. Driving a Ford Mustang GT, Sainz praised the track’s speed and unique features, including the banked "La Monumental" turn. The successful test confirms the venue is on schedule for its debut in September 2026. This event establishes Madrid as a key F1 location, alternating with Barcelona-Catalunya, and signifies a major milestone for Spanish motorsport infrastructure and international racing calendars.
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Sainz Completes First Lap on New Madrid F1 Circuit
Carlos Sainz has successfully completed the inaugural lap of the new Madring circuit, marking a historic moment for Formula 1 in Spain. This event signifies the return of the Spanish Grand Prix to the Madrid region, 45 years after the last race held at the Jarama circuit in 1981. The new track, located across the Ifema and Valdebebas areas, was constructed in record time and is no longer just a digital render or construction site but a fully realized reality. Sainz expressed that he was impressed by the new facility. This development confirms the venue for the 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix, representing a significant milestone in Spanish motorsport history. The article highlights the transition from planning and construction phases to actual on-track activity, with Sainz serving as the debut driver to test the newly built infrastructure. The rapid construction and successful initial test underscore the commitment to bringing Formula 1 back to the capital region.
PortadaCarlos Sainz Tests Unfinished Madrid F1 Circuit Ahead of September Grand Prix
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, representing Williams, conducted a test drive on the newly constructed Madrid circuit, known as the 'Madring,' ahead of its inaugural Grand Prix scheduled for September 13, 2026. Driving a Ford Mustang GT, Sainz evaluated the track's layout, which features a mix of urban and purpose-built sections. He praised the circuit's fluidity and width, particularly highlighting 'La Monumental,' a 500-meter banked corner with a 24% incline, which will be the longest curve on the F1 calendar. While the asphalt surface was deemed impeccable for testing, structural elements such as spectator stands remain incomplete. Organizers express confidence in meeting deadlines, aiming to hand over the circuit to the FIA by May 31. This event marks a significant milestone in preparing Madrid for its second Spanish Grand Prix, with officials aspiring to establish it as a premier international race venue. The test serves as proof that construction planning is on track despite the tight timeline.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeCarlos Sainz Tests Madrid's New Madring F1 Circuit Ahead of Spanish Grand Prix Return
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, serving as the official ambassador for the new Madring circuit, completed the inaugural laps on the track in Madrid, marking the sport's return to the city after 45 years. Driving a Ford Mustang GT with presenter Lawrence Barretto, Sainz evaluated the 5.4km, 22-turn hybrid street circuit ahead of the September Spanish Grand Prix. He described the layout as faster than anticipated, particularly highlighting the purpose-built high-speed sections in the second half. Key features include a kilometer-long continuous curve between Turns 2 and 4, a blind crest over a highway bridge, and La Monumental, a 550-meter banked turn at Turn 12. This banked section, comparable to Zandvoort but significantly longer, is designed to accommodate up to 45,000 spectators. Sainz expressed enthusiasm for racing in his hometown, predicting an incredible atmosphere and noting that the tight Turn 13 will likely serve as a primary overtaking opportunity following the high-speed Valdebebas esses.
yahoo sportsCarlos Sainz Reviews New Madrid F1 Circuit: 'Faster Than It Looks'
Williams Formula 1 driver and event ambassador Carlos Sainz has completed his first lap of the new Madring circuit in Madrid, offering initial impressions ahead of the venue's inaugural Grand Prix in September 2026. Driving a Ford Mustang GT on the newly laid tarmac at the IFEMA fairgrounds, Sainz described the 5.4km, 22-turn track as faster than anticipated, particularly praising the high-speed corners in the purpose-built section. He highlighted Turn 12, known as 'La Monumental,' a blind, banked corner with a 24% gradient, as the circuit's standout feature. Sainz also identified strategic overtaking opportunities at the Turn 1-2 chicane and Turn 13, while noting the technical challenge of the tight Turn 20. The article further contextualizes the event within the broader Spanish racing landscape, confirming that Madrid will host the Spanish Grand Prix for a ten-year period from 2026 to 2035. Meanwhile, the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit has secured a rotating agreement to retain its race every other year, ensuring Spain remains a key fixture on the F1 calendar with alternating venues.
yahoo sportsCarlos Sainz Completes First Lap on New Madrid F1 Circuit
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, serving as the ambassador for the Spanish Grand Prix, has completed the inaugural lap on the newly constructed MadRing circuit in Madrid. The track, located across Ifema and Valdebebas, is now fully paved and ready for the 2026 F1 season, marking the return of the Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid 45 years after it last left Jarama. Sainz tested the circuit in a Ford Mustang GT, providing immediate feedback on the driving experience. He described the track as faster and more fluid than anticipated, noting that it differs significantly from typical urban circuits. Sainz highlighted specific sections, such as the blind corners and the gradient changes at La Monumental, which he found particularly impressive. He compared the high-speed corners to those at Spa and Silverstone, emphasizing the technical challenges and overtaking opportunities. This milestone confirms the physical readiness of the venue just four months before the scheduled Grand Prix, transitioning the project from digital renders to a tangible racing reality.
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