The Incident at the New Madrid Circuit
The newly constructed Formula 1 circuit in Madrid, known as the MadRing, has already witnessed its first mishap, and interestingly, no official cars have yet hit the asphalt. A van carrying four individuals reportedly sneaked into the construction site at high speeds, resulting in a crash. Fortunately, while the occupants experienced a frightening situation, initial reports indicate that there were no serious injuries.
Eyewitness Account
An observer wandering around the Valdebebas area, near the IFEMA exhibition center—where the MadRing is being built—reported hearing a loud noise emanating from within the circuit. Curiosity piqued, the individual recorded the scene with their cell phone, capturing footage of the van navigating the already paved section of the track at alarming speeds, especially for a construction site. The video was later shared on social media, amplifying attention to the reckless act.
In the recorded footage, the vehicle appears to overshoot a curve and subsequently crashes, leading to the activation of its airbags. According to reports from El Motor, all four individuals were construction workers and managed to exit the vehicle unscathed.
The State of Construction
As of now, the MadRing remains unfinished. The asphalting process is planned to be completed by May 31, involving three layers: the base, the intermediate, and the final tread layer. Currently, the circuit has only seen the initial layer applied across significant sections. Filming or driving at high speeds through such a dangerous locale is both reckless and illegal, presenting risks that could have led to severe consequences.
A Race Against Time
The urgency of the construction process cannot be overstated, as the work is reportedly ahead of schedule by as much as two weeks. Carlos Jiménez, the Director of Operations at IFEMA Madrid, mentioned in interviews that companies like ACCIONA and Eiffage Construction are under pressure to meet strict deadlines. The circuit must be ready for FIA homologations, with two official inspections planned before the arrival of September.
Considering that crucial safety features are yet to be finalized, any negligence could pose significant risks further complicating the tumultuous construction project.
Future Prospects
Once completed, the MadRing will boast an impressive layout featuring 22 curves and measuring a total of 5.4 km. It is estimated that drivers will be able to complete a lap in approximately 1 minute and 32 seconds, with top speeds reaching 340 km/h at the 589-meter long finish line. One of the circuit’s highlights, La Monumental, features a curve that is 550 meters long and banks at 24%, a unique aspect not found in any other circuit worldwide.
Upcoming Events
The inaugural Madrid Grand Prix is set for the weekend of September 11-13 this year, with over 80,000 tickets already sold, marking a significant milestone in ticket sales ahead of the event. In a recent promotional effort, a Red Bull car was seen navigating the tracks of the Madrid Metro, generating excitement for the grand prix. However, the recent unexpected incident has put the focus back on safety and preparedness.
Preparations Ahead
Before the official F1 debut, the IFEMA team is planning an internal race, likely without an audience, to thoroughly assess the circuit’s condition. With real racing cars expected in September, the involvement of unauthorized vehicles like the recently crashed van must be curtailed to ensure the safety and security of the upcoming event.
Cover image | MadriZonaNorte, MadRing