Two Madrid projects take shape
A proposed new circuit complex at Pinto, near Madrid, could spell the end for Jarama.
Madrid's Jarama circuit could be torn up at the end of 2004 to make way for a new track, in a bid to bring international motor racing back to the Spanish capital.
The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) is thought to be considering selling off the land of the John Hugenholz-designed track to make way for housing.
A new circuit - possibly featuring a design which borrows heavily from Jarama - could be built on a 50,000 square metre site next to the city's Barajas airport.
RACE officials are currently negotiating planning permission for the new circuit, which could be open in time for the club's 40th anniversary celebrations in 2007. Jarama will not be demolished until permission is granted, however.
But details of a rival bid have also emerged, with the mayor of Pinto - 20km south of Madrid - announcing his plans for an oval and road course complex (pictured above).
Antonio Fernandez said he planned to build "a great circuit for Madrid and not a Scalextric" and questioned the RACE's plans to build so close to an airport, describing them as "speculative".
Mayor Fernandez last year visited the MotoGP round at the Sachsenring and has discussed his plans with the Spanish Motorcyle Federation, describing the talks as positive.
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