European Grand Prix Moves to Valencia - If Elections Go Bernie's Way

Bernie Ecclestone today announced that he had agreed to grant the European Grand Prix to the Spanish city of Valencia...if Francisco Camps, the center right president of the Partido Popular wins local elections later this month.

That may sound a bit bizarre, but I suppose Ecclestone is taking advantage of the presence this weekend of the gathering of the world's media at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. In any case, the subject was much talked about in the paddock today, and particuarly since there were two Spaniards taking part in the Thursday press conference - Fernando Alonso and the McLaren Mercedes test driver, Pedro de la Rosa.

Both were happy about having another race in Spain. But as the new race will take place through the streets of Valencia and not on a circuit, Alonso said he had a little difficulty understanding Formula One's approach to safety measures. The Circuit de Catalunya, where Sunday's race is taking place outside Barcelona, has undergone changes to improve safety. Races through city streets can never be as safe as those on a purpose-built circuit.

Valencia is set to run the race starting next year and for a total of seven years - if Camps wins the election and the contract for the race is actually signed....