Jarama circuit to be ripped up.

[FourWheelDrift]

Autosport said:

Madrid's former Spanish Grand Prix track at Jarama is to be broken up and sold for re-development, so that a new state-of-the-art circuit capable of bringing the Grand Prix back to the Spanish capital can be built. According to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) is negotiating with local authorities to get planning permission for a 50,000 square metre motorsport complex next to Madrid's Barajas airport. The plan is being driven by RACE president Juan Luis Huidobro and a club offical commented: "The president wants to create the best motorsport facility in the world and bring back the GP." The plan is for the new circuit to be built in time for RACE's 40th anniversary in 2007. The current circuit last hosted the F1 GP in 1981.

[eric mc]

Scene of Carlos Reuteman's fiery collision with Jackie Oliver in 1972 and where Mike Hailwood got his George Cross for rescuing Reuteman from the flames.

Can't say that Jarama was the most inspirational of tracks - although I dread to think what its successor might be like. Another bore-adrome I suppose.

I say bring back Pedrables - the original Madrid street circuit - no barriers alongside the track, just crowds of people. Having people instead of crash barriers made Pedrables a very safe track - for the drivers.

[FourWheelDrift]

eric mc said:

I dread to think what its successor might be like. Another bore-adrome I suppose.

My thought's entirely for not wanting it ripped up. It always provided a great location for national bike racing. And who can forget the Truck racing bun fight through the first corner at the start of each race.