Added: ( Feb 2008)
F 1 Team Williams Set to Pick Valencia as its Test Team HQ
Specualtion is rife in the Spanish sporting media that one of the big 4 F 1 teams namely Williams is to pick Valencia as its test team base. The Valencian government is said to be on the verge of signing a sponsorship deal with Williams with the view to helping to further the careers of young Spanish drivers. Governmental authorities both regional and city have already made a name for themselves among the F 1 powers that be given their unabashed enthusiasm for all things related to motor sport.
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste which is the city's local circuit is expected to be named as the test team hq in the coming week. This circuit already plays host to the World Motorbike G.P. every year which is absolutely huge with well over 130,000 spectators attending. Team Williams have used the circuit for testing over the past few years as well as presenting several of their latest F 1 cars in the city to an ever expectant world media. Staff from the circuit will provide technical and safety support during the city's grand prix this August (24th) when the "European Grand Prix" zooms around the city's Juan Carlos 1st marina and adjoining streets in what promises to be a truly breathtaking spectacle with much Valencian fanfare. Valencia after all is the home of Fireworks and Fallas.
Apart from strong local political support for the move, the Williams people found the city's climate the clincher as it allows them to test all year round. The city gets a mere 2 weeks rain per year and has over 320 days of sunshine a year.
Williams HQ will remain in the U.K. Founded in 1977 it is the only team out of the Big 4 to remain truly independent as opposed to being a works team. Williams have won 9 constructor's championships in total as well as 7 driver's championships. Driving greats such as Piquet, Mansell, Prost and Senna have driven for the team.
Thanks to the support of the Valencian Government, hopefully in the future a local driver will feature in the Williams hall of fame.
This is more great news for all city property owners as it adds further cachet and exposure of the city. There is still some excellent Prime Valencia F 1 Property available in the city right on the circuit for this year's "European Grand Prix"
Those thinking of buying a quality F 1 Property should not leave it too late before the F 1 media juggernaut hits the city in August which should cause a good price readjustment regarding truly "Prime Valencia F 1 Properties".
Article by Dermot Quinn, Valencia Property Hound Ltd
