Formula 1 racing for Mallorca
by Georgina
Mallorca appears to be having more than it’s fair share of action this year. This beautiful Balearic Island is already to be used at both the start and finish of the Global Ocean Race 2011 – 2012. Mallorca had already shot to sporting stardom as the birthplace of tennis hero Rafael Nadal and is used as a training centre for many international tennis stars.
And now it is becoming a very real possibility that Formula One will be launched in Mallorca. This will attract a whole new crowd of petrol head enthusiasts – undoubtedly attracted by the racing, the wonderful climate and the excellent food. Mallorca is fast becoming the latest fashion destination in the Med
Despite the growing F1 calendar leading to suggestions that there will be no place for a second race in any one country, plans to build another potential Spanish venue continue un-thwarted
With the Spaniard Fernando Alonso´s ongoing success at the front of the field, and that of local resident Jorge Lorenzo in MotoGP last season, hopes are mounting, for those passionate about the sport, to see a world class motorsport facility in Mallorca. Rumour has it that Barcelona´s strong relationship with FI might prevent this happening but undeterred, those behind the dream of Formula One in Mallorca are now at the stage of finding backers for the project.
If this project comes off it is seriously good news for this Island which has already been protected from the worst of the Spanish recession. Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, who has over fifty years of property development experience in Mallorca, comments:
“Mallorca seems be receiving a touch of the Monaco affect, attracting the rich and famous to our shores. The local area is already noted for being fashionable, desirable and fantastic for boat owners and beach lovers alike. If we are lucky enough to start hosting annual Formula 1 races then it will only serve to strengthen property prices as the demand to visit increases.
“Mallorca’s property market has not been affected by the world recession like some regions in mainland Spain. We have had to review prices but due to the lack of stock available compared to the demand for homes on the Island the market has remained really quite buoyant. Spain as a whole is a very fragmented market and good locations and quality property will always sell well whatever the market conditions. International events just add to their appeal”.
Llucmajor is the site being targeted for the F1 track. It has close to the major city of Palma making travel to and from easy. The organisers are hopeful that this bid will become a reality this year and there will be a grand prix in Mallorca in September 2012. Llucmajor Mayor Joan Jaume, who is supporting the bid, said: "The project would help not only the local community, but give the whole island a tremendous economic boost"
The 5km circuit is being designed by Spain’s own Gabriel Palmer with the help of Alonso’s Ferrari team for advice. He commented: "The Balearic Islands are the only region in Spain where there is no such facility. We had agreed to review the existing development plan in this community, and there we found a suitable property, which is only a short drive from Palma´s international airport, numerous hotels of all categories, and the capital itself."
It appears that the current FI Valencia Street Circuit has been much-maligned. With drivers complaining about the lack of opportunity for changing position once the race has started. With one race failing to feature a single on-track change of position it has been dubbed by drivers and spectators alike as ‘boring’. The future of F1 in Mallorca (if at all) will largely be down to the Valencia Street Circuit´s plans to modify the course in an attempt to make the event more exciting to watch (and take part in). Valencia organisers will be speaking with F1 drivers to go over proposed alterations and see if they can integrate some overtaking opportunities into the circuit.
Taylor Wimpey’s Osle commented: “We are sitting tight and waiting to see what happens. If Mallorca is fortunate to win this bid then we will thrilled and our clients will all benefit. Our El Puerto II development in Cala D’Or only 20 miles from the proposed site. This new residential complex is situated close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or in an area of outstanding natural beauty; buying here would offer the owners the best of both worlds, the perfect holiday destination as well as proximity to the roaring engines of F1 racing.”
Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.
Editors Notes
El Puerto II, Cala D’Or, Mallorca
Two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.
These properties are available now from €200,000. Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
