European motorhome Travel- VanlifeSpain

Formula one, no more in Valencia an abandoned dream

Long term readers, will know that as much as I love the ‘everyday’ tourist attractions and enjoy nothing more than looking at fine achritecture, when that little spark goes off in my head and I remember the tiniest detail that I may have read or seen, I have to take the chance to check it out.

From our camper stop base in El Saler, a mere 5km, from Spain’s 3 biggest city, Valencia (N39.386710 W0.331870).We are able to catch the number 25 Bus, which for the small sum of €1.50 per person delivers you straight into the Science Park, then followed by a short stroll towards the beach and marina area we are there ! (alternatively a cycle path runs along the route almost all the way)

We are visiting a place where world-famous drivers such as Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel once awed fans of F1 !

Valencia street circuit map, abandoned F1 track in the heart of Spain’s 3rd largest city- ourleapoffaith European motorhome travels

Do you like seeking out abandoned urban jungles?

Well I do, who remember us seeking out a UFO on a Bulgarian Hillside ?

Adrenaline junkies and explorers alike, say hello to the Valencia Street Circuit, once home to the European Grand Prix.

Based around the harbour which was actually built for the most prestigious sailing competition in the world, the America’s Cup.

After Valencia was selected out of 50 cities in 2005 to host the 32nd and 33rd America’s Cup, the Spanish government invested 2 billion Euro to build the harbour, and thereby also the circuit.

After Valencia was selected out of 50 cities in 2005 to host the 32nd and 33rd America's Cup, the Spanish government invested 2 billion Euro to build the harbour, and thereby also the circuit.

The street circuit, which was designed by Herman Tilke, measures some five kilometres in length, 14 metres in width and has 25 curves.

During the race, the cars could travel a maximum speed of 323 km/h.

Unfortunately, the Formula One race in Valencia never became a success. The races were mostly boring with little overtaking, and it costed Spain and Valencia a lot more money than it generated.

In 2013 a new government introduced many spending cuts. That made it impossible for it to organize an expensive Formula One Grand Prix in addition to these cuts.

All that remains of the Valencia F1 track is tarmac and paint- motorhome travels by urban explorers ourleapoffaith

Luckily for us, security is very minimal and once we tracked (pun intended) major parts of the circuit I was able to walk through the fence and let my inner urban explorer play….. ok take a few photos!

Your chance to be an urban explorer Valencia street circuit map, abandoned F1 track in the heart of Spain’s 3rd largest city- ourleapoffaith European motorhome travels

Weeds have taken over slip roads, access tunnels have been flooded and bridges have been completely gutted.

A far cry from the glory days as we visit the F1 track in Valencia Spain-ourleapoffaith motorhome travels

It’s a far cry from the former glamorous harbour-side race, though the water front areas seem to be faring much better than the concrete-covered track.

All that’s left ! A few adverts on the edge of Valencia, Spain F1 Track - ourleapoffaith European motorhome adventures

All that remains are the coloured lines and advertising in the tarmac and few barrier hoardings.

All that’s left ! A few adverts on the edge of Valencia, Spain F1 Track - ourleapoffaith European motorhome adventures

P.S. The beach area is really nice and the stroll along the seafront is a must when you visit !

Amazing harbour side art works - Valencia Spain, ourleapoffaith motorhome travels in Europe

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Don’t hesitate to leave your comments down below!

Paul.

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