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As the Madrid Grand Prix is just six months away, the brand new Madring circuit is reportedly a long way away from being ready.
The Formula 1 season so far has already witnessed some unfortunate hurdles, as the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have been cancelled.
This means that after this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, there will be a five-week gap in the calendar, with the next race being at the start of May in Miami.
A decision has now been made by the FIA on the two races in the Middle East
While F1 officials considered alternative venues to replace the races, they ultimately decided to cancel the races and move forward with just 22 races this season.
However, according to reports, the Madrid Grand Prix, set to take place in September at the brand new Madring circuit, is now in similar jeopardy.
READ MORE: Formula 1 fans fume over ‘horrendous’ Barcelona and Spa calendar rotation after new contract
Madrid Grand Prix circuit needs ‘massive job’ to be ready for September race
According to Nick Golding of Racing News 365, who visited the site of the Madring circuit, there is a lot of work left to be done to get it ready in time for the Madrid Grand Prix.
He noted that locals told him the circuit needs to be done in less than six months’ time to ensure it can pass the necessary regulatory procedures from the FIA in time for the race, currently scheduled for the 13th of September.
“I walked half the circuit, I kid you not. It is going to be a miracle if they get it ready. I spoke to a lot of locals. Very divided opinions. I asked one local if they thought the circuit would be ready. They laughed before saying, Not a chance. It won’t happen!’
“Others were more positive, expecting it to be okay. If things do get delayed, Madrid has the money to effectively throw more people at it, as many people as they need to get the job done. I walked on what is going to be the start of the finish straight. Currently no tarmac. That is just laid concrete.
“The paddock building is just some metal in the ground as things stand. It is a massive, massive job that they are undertaking.
“I can’t quite get my mind around the fact that they’ve got six months, according to some locals, before they need to pass it over to the F1 and the FIA two weeks ahead of the event, of course, to get it FIA approved to ensure that it’s all safe for the drivers, teams, but also the fans.
“It’s going to be an incredible event if they get it on… But it looks like a construction site, currently. That’s the easiest thing I can say.”
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A third potential cancellation could be catastrophic for Formula 1
The cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have had some significant financial implications for Formula 1, costing them nearly £150 million.
If, in a nightmare scenario, the Madring circuit isn’t ready in time for the Madrid Grand Prix, it could force the officials’ hands and cause a third race cancellation this season.
Their only other option would be to scramble and secure another track to host the race. But doing so in such a short window would be a very difficult task.
There’s no doubt that the organisers of the Madrid Grand Prix will be aware of this time pressure and will be doing everything in their power to avoid such a scenario.
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