Spain / Germany : 1 - 0, still !...

Since 1999, the grand prix of Europa took place in Germany, on the circuit of Nürbürgring ( Rhineland-Palatinate). Hockenheimring welcomed F1 during the Germanic sleeve. In 2007, it was been advisable that F1 would move Outre-Rhin that only once in the year. So, these two circuits will have, in alternation, date in the F1 calendar. 2008 marks the appearance of two new circuits : Valencia and Singapore. Of return of holidays, "F1-circus" migrates to the east of Spain to compete for the grand prix of Europa. Valencia is situated in the region of Castille. Based in 138 before JC by Romans, the city was baptized at first "Valentia Edetanorum". In the Middle-Ages, it’s the capital of the kingdom of Valencia. It’s the third power of the country after Madrid and Barcelona. It owes this position to its business, to the agriculture (big producer of oranges thanks to its Mediterranean climate) and obviously the tourism (sea resort).

Before becoming attached to the twelfth meeting of the season, a comparison with the favorite destination of the paddock is imperative…

Iberian "Montreal"…

Valencia is a sea resort contrary to Montreal which welcomes more gladly the skiers… The environment is certainly different but some resemblances are to note. They possess an extraordinarily close cultural wealth. The art is a fundamental axis in the program of development of these two cities. The City of arts and sciences or still Valencia Art Moderne's institute have to envy nothing to the Museum of Beaux-Arts of Montreal. Diverse periods and styles are in confrontation to create a unity… Tours of Serrano, built in 1392, are the reflection of Gothic period. The city evolves and sees of new tendencies as visionary design of the Museum of Sciences, the Hémisfèric or the Palace of Arts… The last common point meets itself in the importance of the green spaces. The nature lovers will succumb to the charm of the Natural Parc of Albufera, to the Dehesa del Saler, to the Botanical garden or to the Gardens of Viveros…

Monte-Carlo in Spain…

This urban plan 5,440 km long is signed Hermann Tilke. It accounts of nine fast curves and thirteen bends. Let us note that the average speed is 240,70 km/h. Drivers will have fifty seven laps to aspire to the podium. Situated in the seaside, this meeting will become soon Spanish "Monaco" answering perfectly to Bernie Ecclestone’s elitist politic…

What do Nico Rosberg think about Valencia ?

"It’s always fascinating to go on a new circuit and according to the drawings which I saw of the circuit of Valencia, it seems interesting. As nobody has no experience beforehand of the track, who knows what is going to take place ? It’s an urban circuit, you won’t should be too impatient, to find our rhythm little by little - because walls will be merciless and the surface of the track will be faster when there will be a little of rubber deposit." he confided.

“Kings of the Asphalt” ready to unstitch it !…

For Felipe Massa, Valencia will rhyme with revenge. The Brazilian will try to beg the evil spell by signing the perfect weekend (pole and victory). Lewis Hamilton won’t content himself of modest one the fifth place as to Budapest. After his Magyar success, Heikki Kovalainen will aim at the pass of two. Kimi Räikkönen hopes to taste the champagne of the first step which avoids him since Barcelona. BMW will return to the top. Renault’s mission will shine on the land of "Conquistador of Asturias". Toyota has a heart to defend its fourth place in the championship. Williams’ reaction is strongly expected… Will it answer present in the top 8 ? We’ll hope for team and its drivers. The Bull surprise perhaps the Spanish public… For Honda and Force India is a difficult grand prix which wait them… What driver will enter in history as the first winner of Valencia ? Answer Sunday, August 24…

Meetings of weekend :

Friday :

Practice 1 : 10:00 am – 11:30am

Practice 2 : 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Saturday :

Practice 3 : 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Qualifying : 2:00 pm

Sunday :

Race : 2:00 pm