Tenerife race circuit at Atogo to break ground in March

There are headlines that crop up in the news year after year – only to fade away again. Formula 1 on Tenerife is one such project. Discussions about plans for a dedicated racetrack in the Canary Islands have been going on since the 1990s. And indeed, there are new developments.

The economy of the Canary Islands is a fragile entity. Everything is far too heavily reliant on tourism. If tourism were to dry up – for example, due to an international pandemic – the system would more or less collapse. It is perhaps no coincidence that, just as this realisation is sinking in, an old project is being pulled out of the hat.

The Canary Islands are hoping to attract new visitors with a racecourse in Atogo, which is situated in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona and therefore in the immediate vicinity of the South Airport. And the construction project is set to become a real showcase project.

The planned circuit is therefore intended not only to satisfy the FIA – the umbrella organisation for all motoring clubs and, consequently, the organiser of Formula 1 – but also the International Motorcycling Federation. Worldwide, there are only three circuits that cater equally to both car and motorbike racing.

The Circuito Insular del Motor on Tenerife is set to cover an area of 350,000 square metres and comprise 16 bends and a main straight 800 metres long. According to the Cabildo, the first phase of construction for this multi-million project is due to begin as early as March. This will be followed by ten further construction phases.

According to the information provided, the first stage will involve channelling the adjacent gorges and constructing the northern access road. A second call for tenders is then due to take place between May and June.

Formula 1 circuit on Tenerife: initially limited to local motorsport

The subsequent construction phase is to cover the paddock areas. These are the sections for the teams taking part in the race – ranging from the infrastructure required for a race weekend to the pits where the racing cars and motorbikes are serviced. Work will then begin on the grandstands, it was reported.

However, even whilst planning is in full swing, the head of Tenerife’s Road Construction Authority, Enrique Arriaga, is once again dampening the enthusiasm. The expert said that whilst the Cabildo is planning the circuit for the top racing categories – namely Formula 1 and MotoGP – a more modest goal is being pursued for the time being.

As finalising the circuit would require very substantial investment for both premier racing categories, it will not be considered at the outset. Rather, the short-term aim is to promote local motorsport as well.

Tenerife aims to satisfy motorsport fans

The Cabildo has invested in many sports, but has neglected motor sport despite its popularity. As local and national competitions offer the prospect of revenue as well as satisfying motor sport fans, the focus will be on this initially.

Further events, both national and international, are set to be added in subsequent stages. And – subject to the final inspection – the licence for the FIM and FIA will then be granted, it was reported.

However, Tenerife faces stiff competition even within its own country. After all, there are already four Formula 1 circuits. With Jerez, Barcelona-Catalunya, MotorLand Aragón and Cheste, there are plenty of options for the premier class of motor racing to hold races in Spain. And the FIM most recently held a round in Navarra. There are also alternatives in Cartagena and Jarama.

So Formula 1 and MotoGP may well remain a pipe dream in the Canary Islands. Nevertheless, the multi-million project is set to get underway soon. It remains to be seen whether it will be self-financing. It also remains to be seen whether the project will make such decisive progress this time that cars and motorbikes will indeed soon be doing laps on Tenerife. And, above all: which ones.

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Tenerife attracts Formula 1

Foto: Johannes Bornewasser