Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone had a sway in the decision to bring Valencia into the season’s schedule, but of course, it was not a simple affair. Politics was at the heart of the decision, with Ecclestone telling Spanish media that a Valencia street circuit would only occur if they re-elected conservative politician Francisco Camps of the Partido Popular party.
Baiting the media, Ecclestone said that the contracts were ready and would only be signed once the elections were over, which Mr Camps won.
Not long after, Tilke was brought in to create the circuit, which became the first temporary street track in his portfolio, later paving the way for the likes of the Baku , Jeddah Corniche Circuit and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
A 5.4km-long track was the end result, running downtown and parallel to the city port. Clearly taking inspiration from Monte Carlo, but featuring more fishing boats than superyachts, the tight and twisty circuit proved popular with fans but was rather challenging for overtaking.
I’d seen grainy images on social media of the circuit’s remains, but wanted to get a look with my own eyes.
Part of the abandoned harbour warehouses
Katy Fairman
As soon as I stepped off the bus, I was met with the iconic harbour warehouses, a distinguishable feature that I instantly recognised as the pit buildings. Now fenced off and completely gutted, these huge structures once hosted the teams and important guests with a view of the main straight and pitlane, which is clearly visible today.
Now used as a popular spot for running or cycling, the pitlane still displays Allianz sponsorship and even leftover pit boxes with tyre rubber laid down after all these years!
Following the circuit round was easier than anticipated, with a mix of public roads and pedestrian areas as you set off clockwise. As you enter Turns 3 and 4, walking alongside the calm harbour front, there are still red and yellow kerbs in place, and later catch fencing with concrete barriers. These barriers have been repurposed throughout the old circuit layout, as I later stumbled across a basketball court that had been entirely constructed with these abandoned blocks.
Once you reach Turns 8 and 9, you’re met with more faded sponsor signage, Armco barriers and, importantly, the port swing bridge. This famous landmark was such a unique element to the circuit, and is often referenced when discussing this old street track.
Designer Tilke described the bridge as a “significant technical challenge for the planners”, but drivers enjoyed the distinctive feature. The only issue, as a pedestrian, is that when the harbour is in use, which is most of the time, the bridge is closed. That means a long walk back to where you started…
The painted kerbs are still visible around the harbour
Katy Fairman
When on the other side, you’re able to follow the road around and see the fastest part of the circuit. Here, drivers would reach speeds of up to 310km/h, and it is the spot where Webber’s Red Bull really did ‘give him wings’ when he went flying through the air after clipping the back of Heikki Kovalainen‘s Lotus. Thankfully, both were unhurt in the shocking shunt.
Later on in the lap is the truly abandoned section of the street circuit, which features proper raised kerbing and fences but is overgrown and heavily vandalised. There are tonnes of rubbish and several shanties built to house some of Valencia’s homeless.
It’s a sad sight, with an almost apocalyptic feel, and leaves a sour taste when you consider the time and money that was spent almost two decades ago to fund this circuit, with reports suggesting that the total cost of hosting the European Grand Prix for those five years was around €308 million (£271m).
Although Valencia was scheduled to have a seven-year slot on the Formula 1 calendar, this was cut short after a change of local governments. Since then, the organisers have been investigated on counts of corruption and embezzlement by the national prosecutor’s office, and what’s left behind is a circuit that feels frozen in time, albeit covered in weeds and graffiti.
The remains of the Valencia circuit
Katy Fairman
Will we ever see a return to racing there? It is likely a resounding no. Although the track surface isn’t in the worst state, it’s still a million miles away from the FIA grade needed to host an event.
It does look like the sort of location Formula E would have visited years ago, with that rough and somewhat ready feel, plus based in a city centre, although some serious money would need to be chucked at the project. Now, with ever-rising speeds and a switch to permanent circuits for Formula E, it feels safe to say the days of racing around the former America’s Cup port are truly over.