Valencia Announce Changes for F1 Event

It's no secret to anyone that last year's European Grand Prix, held on the streets of Valencia, was not as big of a hit as expected. Although the Spanish fans were waiting for some Monte Carlo-like action on the circuit located on the harbor side of Valencia, the spectacle was simply not there.

The Spanish organizers have decided to make some changes for the 2009 European Grand Prix, and started by allowing the boats to enter the harbor area throughout the weekend. During last year's edition of the event, all boats were prevented from entering the aforementioned area for safety reasons.

Also, the boats that were already “parked” in the harbor were locked by the organizers – by closing the swing bridge – until after the official end of the Grand Prix. All of that is about to change this year, as promoter Jorge Martinez Aspar, of Valmor Sports, believes the free circulation of boats in that sector will make for better landscaping and make the race more attractive to the fans.

“Our objective is that the fans are comfortable, have easy access and enjoy the spectacle,” Aspar allegedly told Spanish news agency Europa Press.

Apart from the unlocking of the bridge, the Valencia organizers have not announced any more changes. Despite the lack of wheel-to-wheel racing and overtaking maneuvers during the 2008 European Grand Prix, the layout will not feature any changes (at least not officially confirmed).

This year's European Grand Prix will make for the 11th round of the 2009 Formula 1 Championship and is scheduled August the 21st through 23rd.