‘Formula 1 is now a show with racing’

“Formula 1 is now a show with a career,” explains Josep Luis Santamaria (Barcelona, ​​1965), director of the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. It mentions why 277,836 spectators attended the 2022 Grand Prix and why 70,000 tickets have already been sold for the 2023 Grand Prix in June.

In addition, in this interview with EFE, Santa Maria explained what happened at the circuit in 2022 and the news that in 2023 the sports venue facilities will be significantly improved and may host concerts. are also reviewed.

Q: How many tickets have already been sold for next June’s F1 Grand Prix?

Answer: About 70,000. And 40,000 units were purchased on the first day of launch.

Q: How can this phenomenon be explained?

A: It’s not a “boom” that’s happening only in Spain. We have Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz here and they have a lot of fans. However, the number of spectators in Formula 1 around the world is increasing. It was very difficult to see “sold out” (all tickets sold) but virtually all circuits are sold out this 2022. Formula 1 has done a lot of work in recent years with the Netflix series, car modifications and trends to make it a spectacle and experience. It used to be a race with a show, now it’s a great show with a race.

Q: Will there be more off-road activity on the circuit that weekend?

A: We are working hard on this issue. When there is no activity on the track, we want the public to be able to do other activities such as music and entertainment. And this also transferred to Barcelona. This year 2022 was the first year we were able to have a “village” in Port Vell. In 2023 I want to make it bigger and do something different. Perhaps working in another area of ​​the city.

Q: This 2022, 277,836 spectators attended the Formula 1 GP held at the circuit. Instead, Moto GP remained at 111,574. In this sense, did Valentino Rossi’s breakup and Marc Márquez’s downtime hurt?

A: This affects everything. In fact, the last intervention Marquez made was right before the Grand Prix. And Moto GP fans tend to buy tickets at the last minute. Like Jorge Lorenzo and Rossi, the old rivalry may be lost. This year, however, a ‘sprint’ race will be introduced on Saturdays to attract more people.

Q: Would it be better for the circuit to separate the two Grand Prix further in time (Moto GP is in September)?

A: From a worker’s point of view, it’s better. The stress of having two World Grands Prix in one month is a lot for him. This year, we had a 15-day separation. The structure of Formula 1 was still being dismantled and the Moto GP track had already entered. that’s one of the things we want. This separation also benefits the general public, who are likely to participate in two tests, because they don’t spend a lot of money at once.

Q: What novelty will spectators find when they go to the circuit track in 2023?

A: At Turn 1 they find a bigger loophole. The tracks do not touch, but the first line of protection travels about 70 meters in a straight line.

Q: Is this the first step in a project that will eventually include a new grandstand at the end of the straight?

A: There are plans to build a permanent grandstand there. It has a double meaning. The structure means less exhaust noise for the circuit, while also becoming a privileged public spot where cars and motorcycles can be seen approaching along the main straight. This 2023 will have a platform built and probably already a provisional grandstand installed.

Q: What’s the news for the rest of the New Year off the track?

A: Update the finish line markers. It will be an LED screen. The idea is that at races with live TV coverage, the progress of the tests will be reflected there and the public will be able to get information about it beyond the drivers’ standpoint. It is a mark that becomes 30 meters in height. Plus more shaded grandstand areas. Last year it was Turn 5 M, but this year we will also cover L and A.

Q: One of the criticisms you received at the last Formula 1 Grand Prix was that the attendees were not able to refill the fountain water as it was not drinkable. Any solution?

A: Each bathhouse has a fountain where the public can refill their bottles. Connect to the public water network and stop using well water, the reason you couldn’t drink straight from the tap for the past 30 years.

Q: There were also criticisms about people queuing in and out of the venue. Is access improving?

A: When 120,000 people go to a place like this, there will be a line. What we have to try is to keep the tail as short as possible. We have to provide a lot of information. For example, your ticket allows you to enter through any of the circuit’s eight doors. This year it was the case that there were many queues at the door and the following year there were few people. Many gathered at Gates 6 and 7. We have informants in place to warn them and we are also working on applications.We also need to work on traffic devices to improve liquidity.

Q: When will the giant solar panels on the main stand be installed?

A: We currently plan to have the project completed by the end of the year and bid for installation at the beginning of January. Therefore, in the first quarter of 2023, the main stand will be equipped with solar panels.

Q: In 2022 they were busy 89% of the time on the track. Do you still have the option to increase the percentage even more? Maybe doing an activity like a concert?

A: We have the largest infrastructure in the country. What we want is to be able to accommodate different activities and to have them all happening at the same time. For the possibility of a concert, I will include an installation. We work with promoters to help them organize them. We must surround ourselves with the best.