Francisco Camps, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, the government of the autonomous community of Valencia, has denied that the region is trying to get rid of the European Grand Prix, because it is costing them too much money. The claims were published at the end of last week. The opposition has claimed that the Grand Prix has cost the region $200 million since it began in 2008. This is possible when one considers that the costs include not only the race fees, which could be as high as $40 million a year, but also the necessary preparation work, the annual construction costs for the temporary facilities and the losses that may have been made in the three events to date.
The opposition has not, however, taken into account the benefits that the race has generated. This is also interesting given that rumours in F1 circles have long suggested that Valencia has not been paying its fees on time. The race has been slow to take off, but there seemed to be a decent crowd this year.
The government has dismissed the claims, saying that they are not true and simply designed to damage the reputation of the ruling Partido Popular.
The claims are odd in that a couple of weeks ago Camps and Valencia Mayor Rita Barberá travelled to Italy to discuss the possibility of the construction of a second Ferrari theme park in the city. Without a Grand Prix this would be a fairly pointless exercise…
Valencia has recently been named European capital of sport for the year 2011.
joeblogsf1 
I think of Valencia and think, what a terrible, boring track.
Then I think…Hamilton vs Barrichello in 2009, Webber’s crash and Kobayashi’s storming drive…
Can’t say I will miss this race. Personally, I hope the European GP goes to Portimao. That seems like a proper track with elevation etc.
Wichard,
I agree Portimao is terrific, but do they have the money for F1 fees?
Good news? Am i horrible for saying that. Cannot stand the track, layouts uninsipring, looks featureless and produces racing akin to splatting paint on the wall and watching it dry.
Suppose it depends on what replaces it. Nice little track in valencia thats purpose bulit for racing. Somebody seem to forget that when the idea for Valecina marina Came up.
I completely agree Wichard and Joe, it would be fantastic to see a race there! However, considering the country’s financial situation, I can’t see it happening.
It would be good if Valencia leaves the calendar. I don’t think any country should have more than one race when it means that others will have to miss out. Also, its an awful track.
Can we just go back to Imola for the European Grand Prix, please.
Joe, there is probably no money to take over the license. But it seems wrong that great circuits dont get a chance. I understand that money is important, but 40 million is rediculous to me! We’ll have to wait for à little miracle I think
Would Valencia be missed by anyone? There are no shortage races currently on the calendar, or coming up in future years – India, United States, Russia, Rome.
Maybe it opens the way to make Spa Francorchamps, or Rome the European Grand Prix.
Mallorca had plans for a new circuit in Llucmajor.
But I guess like most of these ‘plans’ it’ll never see the light of day.
It’s a shame the Euro GP can’t roam around the continent like it used to. The problem as ever being money, the fees charged and the huge cost of upgrading a track and facilities make it unviable for Brands Hatch, Imola, and the others to even try for an F1 race.
the track may cost them alot of money but 2009 hamilton and barracelo that was good and webber it just good and i think that they should keep
Camps? Barbera? Bankrupted that region, currently among the six worst debtor areas of Spain. Trying hard to become landgrabbers of the decade, robbed dozens of thousands of Brits, Spaniards and other Europeans of their lawfully owned individual properties. A good Spanish High Cort Judge exclaimed ‘how strange owners did not reach for their shotguns!’. Ask MEPs Michael Cashman, Margrete Auken or Marta Andreasen about Valencian politicos.
And the individuals themselves:
http://www.abusos-no.org
http://www.perjudicadosporlaleydecostasblogspot.com
Valencia, like Singapore, is a terrible track. I hope that it will disapear from the calender soon.!
If you can’t race there, it’ll never be a racing track, Bernie!