Luis Garcia Abad insists Madring Circuit is ahead of schedule despite delays

Concerns have swirled in recent weeks over whether the Madring circuit will be ready in time for the Madrid Grand Prix in September. Reports suggested the project would require a near miracle to meet its deadline, with recent images showing large unfinished sections and minimal visible asphalt work.

Construction progress: "Everything is going well"

“The Madring is going up, everything is going well. Now that it’s stopped raining, the asphalt is really coming along, and yesterday, we finished paving the exit from turn 19 before reaching turn 20.

Everything is concretised. We have very little left to finish with the first layer of asphalt. We are fulfilling what the construction companies told us would be needed and will have the work finished by May 31st…”

Abad acknowledged that heavy rain in Madrid recently delayed paving work. However, he argued that the weather interruption ultimately allowed other key elements of the project to advance.

“We are even a little ahead of schedule despite the rains, because the rains delayed the paving, but they have allowed us to complete all the urbanisation of the Valdebebas plot, lighting, sewage, and the concreting of all areas on the main straight.

The structure of the pit boxes and the paddock are already in place. We’ve even begun working on part of the temporary structures of the pit lane. It’s progressing nicely.”

May 31 inspection: a key milestone

Abad identified May 31 as a crucial checkpoint, when the first layer of asphalt and circuit milling work are expected to be completed ahead of inspection.

“The circuit will be finished, the kerbs, the run-off areas, and we will have already done what the last layer of asphalt is. With this first layer, we are now analysing all the areas to avoid micro-potholes.

Some areas will need to be milled. It’s a job that’s already organised and scheduled. From that date, which will be when the circuit as a track is finished, we’ll start with the installation of walls, fences, stands, hospitality areas, toilets, and everything that’s necessary.

So that on September 13th, when we start dismantling, we can take down everything that needs to be put up.”

Following the inspection, attention will shift toward finalising amenities and temporary installations, including walls, fencing, grandstands, hospitality areas and restrooms — all critical components for hosting a modern Formula 1 event.

Focus on September readiness

Despite the earlier doubts triggered by images of an unfinished site, Abad’s message is unequivocal: the project is under control and progressing according to plan.

With the structural elements of the pit boxes and paddock already in place and asphalt work nearing completion, organisers remain confident the Madring circuit will be ready and safe for its scheduled race weekend in September.

For now, the emphasis is on meeting the May 31 milestone — a date that could effectively silence the scepticism surrounding Madrid’s place on the calendar.