The organizers of the Grand Circuit Series, the top single-seater championship, have told teams they plan to cut the number of street races on the calendar from next season. According to documents seen by News., only one city race would be spared: the harbor circuit in Port Alden.
The proposal, presented to team principals at a meeting this week, would reduce the series from five street events to two, replacing the others with races at permanent tracks. The second remaining city race would be a new event abroad that has not yet been announced.
Why the cuts
Series officials argue that street circuits are expensive to build and take down every year, cause weeks of disruption for residents and offer fewer overtaking opportunities. Several host cities have also struggled to pay the hosting fees.
Permanent circuits give us better racing, lower costs and a safer environment. But some street races are part of the identity of this championship, and Port Alden is one of them.
Julian Ferrand, sporting director, Grand Circuit Series
The Port Alden race, held on a 3.4-kilometer layout that winds along the harbor front and past the ferry terminal, has been on the calendar for 14 years. It is one of the most watched events of the season, largely thanks to the images of cars racing between the marina and the old town walls.
Relief in the city, frustration elsewhere
The city’s tourism office welcomed the news. Hotels in Port Alden are typically fully booked on race weekend, and local businesses estimate the event brings in around 40 million euros a year.
“For us, this race is not just three days in June. It is the reason many people visit for the first time,” said Elena Vasquez, director of the Port Alden tourism board.
Drivers are divided. Some welcomed more races at traditional circuits, while others said street events are the toughest test of precision on the calendar. “One mistake and you are in the wall. That is what makes them special,” one leading driver said after the meeting.
The calendar still has to be approved by the series’ governing council, which meets next month. Host cities that lose their races are expected to push back, and at least one has threatened legal action over its existing contract.
Comments 0