Valencia’s F1 bid gathers momentum

UPDATE [Editor's Note: We are upgrading this rumor to 'strong' but we suspect this is the usual Bernie Ecclestone threat of an alternate race to get a better deal with Barcelona, the current holder of the Spanish GP rights. Whenever a race contract is due for renewal soon, another possible alternate race suddenly appears on the scene.]

Valencia will stage formula one races from 2009, according to reports in the Spanish press.

At the circuit's unique stand-alone GP2 season opener on the weekend, notable guest and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was spotted with local dignitaries, and has been quoted praising the soon-to-be rejuvenated F1 test track.

''GP2's drivers are knocking on formula one's door,'' regional sports secretary David Serra told the BBC, ''and we are also.''

Reports in Spain claim that Ecclestone, 75, verbally told Valencia president Francisco Camps that the first grand prix could be run in 2009, but that no contract has yet been signed.

The crucial subject of money, too, is not thought to have been broached in detail, but more meetings between Bernie and Camps are planned.

04/10/06 (GMMf1NET) A couple of familiar faces popped up in Valencia (Spain) last week.

While Giancarlo Fisichella, Heikki Kovalainen and Alain Prost added to the celebrity list at the GP2 season opener, two more F1 celebrities had the most eyebrows raised — Flavio Briatore, and Bernie Ecclestone.

Interestingly, their itinerary was not confined to F1's little open-wheeling brother. Together, Bernie and Flav accompanied dignitaries including Valencia president Francisco Camps and mayoress Rita Barbera to the nearby America's Cup (yachting) village.

The news comes after the revelation that the twisty 'Ricardo Tormo' layout at Valencia – already a popular F1 test venue – will be modified for a future GP bid.