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Together with Luis García Abad, seven years ago, he imagined what a Formula 1 race would be like around the fairgrounds. Today he is counting the hours to launch next Friday a world-class event that he hopes will amaze racing fans and make Madrid residents fall in love.
How many tickets do they ask for per day for the race?
Well, yes... Spain is a country where you go for tickets at the last minute. A few, but for me the most important thing is the commitment of many companies and many people who want to be there those days. Sales for both the stands and VIPs are going very well. Club 91 [one of the VIP areas] is full, with much more demand. And there were people who doubted that we would arrive on time. We are very happy, this project is the result of a dream. Seven years ago, Luis García Abad [grand prix director] and I asked ourselves why not bring a Formula 1 race to Madrid. And today we have it here.
What worries you most at this point?
Well, we look at the weather a lot, but it gives a good forecast, without rain, with clouds and clearings. And now it is key to refine the small details. Between a great average prize and an excellent one, the difference is in the details. I have been to many grand prix in my professional life, when I was at Renault, and the details are always the key. There have been new races lately with problems and others, like Miami, that stood out since their premiere for many things, for example, because they had a very high-level catering. Here we are already thinking about the second edition,
Already?
Sure, but for the second to be a success, the first must also be successful. I insist that the team work on the small details, a team, that of Ifema, that has given its heart and soul to this adventure. I am very grateful and proud. I have made our workers ambassadors: I want them to tell us what is not working, what we can improve on... Everyone must remember that a Formula 1 GP is, in terms of television viewership, the third most watched event in the world, after the Olympic Games and the World Cup final. And our Spanish Grand Prix is going to represent a paradigm shift in the organization and celebration of races.
I see him ambitious.
We, together with Formula One Management, want to establish a new standard for the Formula 1 experience. Something that does not exist today in all of Europe. On the 14th, when the grand prix happens, you will tell me if it really is an experience that goes beyond what you have known so far in the European Formula 1 events.
It seemed utopian to create a race track in Ifema.
I started as an apprentice in 1978 and I have come this far. In life, challenges must be addressed. And when you have clear ideas and committed people at your side, who get wet, time puts things in their place. I feel proud because it is good for Madrid and it is a Spanish brand project. And right now, I believe that this country needs iconic projects like this grand prize.
These days, what's missing?
The circuit no longer worries me, the tests have been done and it is fine. Now, as I told you, it's the details: finishing off the Paddock Club, the VIP areas, the stands, the entrance flows of the public... Something very important so that there are no traffic jams. Also, on a personal level, the week's agenda, with a multitude of events, and I cannot attend all of them.
What feeling do you want the drivers, teams and public to get from Formula 1?
The drivers who have already come, like Hamilton and Leclerc, and the people from Formula 3 stated that it is a great circuit, a fun track. And the Monumental curve is going to be our icon. The most important thing is that it is a GP integrated in Madrid, a city that is currently fashionable worldwide. I hope that people have a great experience, living Madrid, enjoying a good race and if a Spanish driver wins, then even better. As an ambassador for our grand prize, I would be very excited for Carlos Sainz to win.
Formula 1 was very interested in Madrid.
With Stefano Domenicali [CEO of the championship] contact is continuous. He always gave us a lot of confidence and has supported us in the most difficult moments. For them it is also important because, I insist, it will set a new standard for grand prix events in Europe, as has happened with Miami in the United States.
Does the grand prize have enemies?
Well... [thinks about it] I think not. Someone I can help more, others less... But at this point, everything is done. I'm not worried. The important thing is that I feel proud that Ifema has been able to achieve something that no one ever thought we would achieve. And it has been possible thanks to the support of Ifema partners, the Community of Madrid, the City Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
The political and media left is being very critical of the grand prize, pointing out the inconvenience that neighbors may suffer due to noise and traffic problems.
From the beginning we have had a fluid relationship with the neighborhood platforms, explaining each step to try to keep the disturbances minimal.
Do you already know how many tickets you are going to sell for the weekend?
We have a license for 138,000 spectators and we are going to end up with 123,000. I have not wanted to go to the maximum of the license because we want people to leave fully satisfied this first year. And at the end of the race, they can drink their soft drinks or eat whatever they want and live the experience, as happens in the Mutua tennis tournament. Let that be lived here. But not just the VIPs, everyone will enjoy it.
Are you satisfied with the response from sponsors?
Without a doubt, although there can always be more, of course. And in the second we will have more, for sure. For example, I think it is very important that we have integrated the two big clubs in Madrid, two brands as important as Real Madrid and Atlético, emblematic institutions. No grand prize has ever achieved such important global football clubs to support it as partners. They will give us valuable parking spaces and the prestige of their name.
Members of the Sánchez Government
Madrid is going to develop a technological district on its plots in the Valdebebas Sports City, next to the circuit. Could there be a project linked to Formula 1 there?
It is possible, because the cutting edge of technology is in the genes of Formula 1.
Is the President of the Government or any of his ministers coming to the race? And the King?
We have invited both the Royal Family and the President of the Government and relevant people, but due to confidentiality, I cannot speak about the institutional issue.
You, the organizers, say that the grand prize will go beyond Ifema and will be noticed throughout the city.
It will impact the entire city and the people of Madrid will notice it, but in a positive way. There will be activation zones and many nods to the race.
When the event passes, will Ifema recover complete normality?
Your calendar does not change. On the contrary, now new opportunities arise for us. For example, next year you can do Mercedes Fashion Week activities. I have fought to bring a great prize because it improves the Ifema brand. Behind this there will be European and world congresses, fairs or emblematic presentations... People want to do things in Madrid. And that elevates our brand image and elevates the image of Madrid. Ifema is one of the economic engines of Madrid and that is our role. We are the only capital in Europe that has a grand prize. And we are the only ones where 80% of the spectators will be able to come by public transport and the only ones who are next to the airport and 15 minutes from the city center.
Finally, and changing the subject, let's talk about , closed for years and which is currently in competition to find a manager. Is Ifema still interested in acquiring it?
Under the current conditions of the document, we believe that it is not profitable to go. Therefore, we will not participate.
