MARCH 3, 2006

A new Spanish test track

Work has begun on a new racing circuit at La Palma del Condado, between Seville and Huelva in the south of Spain. The plan is for the local authorities to spend $35m on the construction of a 3.5-mile circuit in order to attract racing teams for winter testing. The Circuito Monteblanco have been designed to include a section where the cars run through a street section, the development including offices and a hotel.

The circuit does not intend to try to compete for a Grand Prix but would like to pull in teams to do specific testing work. The circuit may host Spanish national races. The track is due to be completed by December and will be ready for winter testing. The Monteblanco track is the brainchild of Frenchman Thierry Reynaud, who lives in the neighbourhood. H ehe is also planning for a majhor golf course at the facility.