F1 Majorca

Surely it can't be true? Formula 1 racing on the island of Mallorca? - Well actually, it makes perfect sense and could become a reality in time for the 2013 season.

Spain's Valencia Formula 1 event has taken a lot of criticism recently with many commentators saying that the event is drab with few overtaking opportunities, so Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 supremo is seriously contemplating a bid from Mallorca who are planning a new medium-to-high-speed 5.8km, 3.6 miles circuit in the centre of the island, in the municipality of Llucmajor.

Representatives from Mallorca met with Mr Ecclestone at the European Grand Prix last weekend to present the plans for the Mallorca event; which they claim will be completed in 2013. The project is fully supported by Joan Jaume Mulet, the mayor of Llucmajor muicipality and architects, Mateo Palmer and Biel Arbona have been commissioned to begin work on the track.

There are some serious players involved in the Formula 1 Mallorca plan including Federico Gastaldi who was involved with taking the F1 back to Argentina in the mid-90's. Federico is acting as a mediator in the discussions with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management company (FOM).

The future of F1 in Mallorca (if at all) will largely be down to the Valencia Street Circuit's plans to modify three corners of the circuit as they attempt to make the event more exciting to watch (and take part in). Valencia organisers will be speaking with F1 drivers to go over proposed alterations and see if they can integrate some overtaking opportunities into the circuit.

In my belief, the Valencia event is doomed, not just because spectators and drivers don't like it but because Mallorca is simply the perfect venue for this event!

The event is best suited to take place in either May or September due to these months being out of the tourist season but mostly because there is always the chance of rain at this time. The speed that the weather can change on the Balearic Islands will provide the event with some excitement as we all know that a bit of rain changes the dynamics of a race significantly and makes for superior spectator pleasure.

The infrastucture for a Formula 1 event is already in place in Mallorca. Palma airport is ideally located and can easily handle the event and there are plenty of good hotels on the island to look after anyone wanting to enjoy the Mallorca Grand Prix!

There are also plenty of moorings for Super Yachts (especially with the new Port Adriano Marina nearing completion), ample quality restaurants and good roads.

Doesn't really sound like Valencia has a chance really?

By David Roche, 05 July 2010

Latest News

By David Roche, 04 May 2011.

Bernie Ecclestone makes a Pit Stop in Mallorca!

Ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix in Turkey, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone made a quick visit to Mallorca fueling further the prospects of the island hosting a Grand Prix one day.

He was spotted by the Managing Director of Mallorca Live the Dream in Portals Nous and although he did not talk to reporters he did say, "Why Not" when asked if Majorca could host Formula One!

By David Roche, 11 January 2011.

The latest news from F1 organisers is that plans for a Formula One race on the island of Mallorca are progressing.

Reports are that organisers are currently seeking investors to fund the first race in 2012; which has an estimated cost of between €160 - €200 million.

The proposed track design by local designer Gabriel Palmer has been amended following consultation with the Ferrari team and will go some way to reduce the number of critics opposed to Gabriel Palmer's lack of experience.

According to further reports in recent days, it seems that a meeting between high-ranked officials of the region – including the head of the Balearic racing federation Agustin Arbex and mayor Jaume – have already met with Ecclestone to discuss plans for the race.

“Ecclestone was enthusiastic and encouraged us to pursue the project,” revealed Arbex, while also admitting that September 2012 is projected to be the debut of the race in Formula One.

Fingers crossed x