The Elitist Valencia Formula One

The day was just fine. Glorious sunshine, excited crowds, more than 112,000 paid admissions, a brand-new track, and the dream came true. The waiting was over. There had been so much preparation and anxiety that it would be completed on time, but that was all in the past.

The idea was the brainchild of the president of the Valencia Community, Frances Camps, and the long-time mayoress of Valencia, Rita Barberá. Valencia has always been considered the poor cousin behind Madrid and Barcelona, but the dynamic duo have determined to change all that.

First they have set about doing what they can on a local level to encourage participation in the annual fiestas, and they have promoted Valencia for its exports and its sports, particularly football. Then, taking a huge gamble they bid for America’s Cup, and got it. That meant a massive investment in the port area that had been ignored for so many years. It was said that Valencia was a city that turned its back on the sea and its port.

So America’s Cup came to Valencia, and the average resident could not have cared less. It was an event that was held way out there on the water, and it brought higher prices on land as the teams sought the best accommodation, and drove up real estate and staple goods prices. Were it not for those things we could have ignored America’s Cup altogether, however, Formula One racing in the city was something else again.

This was an event that was loud and brash and in everybody’s face. City Hall was faced with major protests from city residents who were not amused by the prospect of so much noise. In her typical brilliant fashion, Mayor Barbará suggested that it be held in August, the traditional month when most residents head out of town on vacation. That was an instant hit. Because not only could many residents leave town, they could also rent out their balconies and rooftops for insane amounts of money, so Formula One was off to a fine start in first gear.

To accommodate the new track a swing bridge had to be built and new asphalt put down that would be of racing standard. Much of the track consists of existing roadways that take in a loop around the City of Arts and Sciences, the signature image for Valencia.

The reason I call this an elite event is that you had to be able to find at least two hundred euros to watch the action live. Tickets prices originally were between two hundred and five hundred euros, but when they sold out scalpers made a fortune. Obscene amounts of money were charged for balconies and rooftops for the three-day event. Missing was any accommodation for the general public of a standing-only area for spectators who could only afford more modest prices.

Organisers did set up a screen along the Malvarrosa beach for the public to follow the race on television. Apparently about 600 million people watched around the world, but the local television stations, Canal 9 and Punto 2 were free to show anything they wanted, just as long as it was not live action from the track. Such was the cost of broadcast rights. Understandably, this is one very expensive sport to fund, but by providing a section for cheap viewing, and by upgrading the public toilets from the portaloos to something more dignified, there would not have been any criticism at all.
I acknowledge that one-month before the real race there had been Formula Three racing to test the track at a cost of only 10 euros a day. I took full advantage of that
I also note that the City laid on free concerts for the general public, including Gloria Estafan. Shame about the rain!

I must not leave this thread without mentioning that Valencia has a first-class racing track at Cheste that led many of us to question why the race had to be held in the streets. The owners of the track at Cheste must have taken their snub very hard, but they have decided to strike back in a very positive way by bringing The Madonna Travelling Road Show to town. I’m almost tempted to go see the show, even though Madonna is not even on my list of admired artists, just to see what they do with 88 trailer loads of equipment.

For the future we can almost be sure that Valencia will become a centre for tennis.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Formula One in Valencia

The time is here and all the waiting and scramble to complete the track on time is over. As I write this it is August 23rd, 2008 and we have seen the practise session on Friday, the 22nd and the qualifiers today. So far, all has gone well, even the weather has been cooperating in spite of rain in the area.

Excitement has been intense as the brand new circuit gets its baptism. Generally opinion has been complimentary except for the port-a-loos, and Sir Jackie Stewart’s comment that the venue looks like a dock, which it partly is.

Lewis Hamilton did his usual thing and leapfroged from behind only to lose pole to Massa, but no worries he will deal with that in his own style. For Fernando Alonso the worst possible thing happened, he failed to qualify in the top ten starters in front of his home crowd. Ah well, I guess these things happen and one has to roll with the punches.

Having attended the Formula Three trials back in July that tested the track ahead of this month’s historic race, I complained that patrons only got to see a little of the race at a time. However, giant screens have been erected that allow all the action to be followed.

Several buildings at various points around the circuit provide wonderful viewing, and a well known fact is that many people have taken advantage to rent out their space for a lot of cash. However, the town council declared such activities to be illegal after waiting long enough for contracts to be signed and money to change hands. I doubt if that is enforceable, but we’ll see.

So, the hour is at hand and by 4pm Valencia time on Sunday August 24th, another name will be declared winner on the day. I will be most disappointed if that name is not Lewis Hamilton.



Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

ROAD COURTESY

Introducing a new concept to a great many drivers and riders: courtesy on the road means simply having regard for one’s fellow motorists by extending little acts of consideration and kindness that assist them. For many this will be a radical line of thinking. They get in their cars and trucks, or on their bikes and the hell with everyone else. They want a clear road and let no one else impede their progress in any way.

This country is but one in which the driver who drives at the legal speed limit is considered a pest. How can this be? If there were not guidelines as to maximum speeds the death toll would be off the chart. Most limiting speeds are reasonable taking into consideration normal road conditions. Wet roads dictate that speeds be lessened in the interest of safety.

So, what on earth are those lunatics thinking when we see them ignoring all the rules of good common sense and even self-preservation. Do they have some kind of death wish. When I’m overtaken by someone in a very dangerous situation I simply wish them a nice death. Good riddance to them if they do lose the argument with a wall or a tree. The problem is that all too often they take out perfectly innocent people as well. I can only hope there is justice in the after life.

Road courtesy in action are those things that are appreciated by other drivers that make their journey a little safer. If the other driver does not have the right of way, but by giving way to him or her so that they are better able to execute their manoeuvre, that will be greatly appreciated. An example is that of the driver who needs to back into the roadway. Although you have the right of way, by taking just a second to allow him to complete the procedure without endangering other traffic you will have helped him on his way. You didn’t have to do it, but your help will be appreciated, and one day you will become the beneficiary if this radical idea catches hold.

Normally, not much is required in order to carry out a random act of kindness and courtesy. England used to be famous for courtesy on the roads, and there are some old school drivers still around. These are people whose actions are sometimes not immediately understood. They stop to let you pass when it would have been just as fine for you to have waited. They will hold up several cars while you take your time to square up in the supermarket car park. They will take special care around pedestrians and children, and even animals. These are the things that elevate a person from being a good driver to a good motorist.

Unfortunately, their actions are not always appreciated, even sometimes by the people they are attempting to assist. However, I really do think that if a person is subject often enough to courtesies shown to him he will come to realize that this is a better way to do life, and in spite of himself it is human nature to pay it forward. When someone does us a favour we can best repay it by doing a favour for someone else who needs it. After all, the person who did you the favour was giving you the gift of kindness and doesn’t really want it back.

There is one other thing that I would add, and it is this: When someone does extend to you a courtesy on the road, please be sure to encourage them by a simple gesture that says “Thank You!” That costs nothing but its value is incalculable.


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

What is a Motor Accident

The Sneeze

Recently, a man collided with a stray dog along one of Valencia’s roads, and that resulted in harm to man and animal, and to his vehicle. Acting apparently on the advice of a lawyer he brought suit against the Valencian government for negligence. His suit charged that the government, the owners of the road system, allowed an animal that was without a private owner to roam freely, to the extent that the dog was able to gain access to the road and come into contact with a motor vehicle.

Furthermore, he asserted that in the case of animals that have not been adopted by a member of the public, such animals are the property of the State by default. As would be the case were the animal the property of an individual, should it bring harm or damage in the course of its unsupervised ramblings, the owner has absolute responsibility for the consequences.

Nice try, sir! Probably the suit might succeed in the United States for millions of dollars, but not in Spain.

The one true description of an accident is where a wild animal suddenly appears in front of a moving vehicle. Even in those areas where the public are warned that animal crossings are frequent, a collision between animal and vehicle must be considered a happenstance that is accidental. That is to say that if an animal can find its way over, around or under the protective fence that we see bordering the highway and come into contact with our vehicle; or otherwise crosses the road without supervision of any kind, that constitutes an accident. As road users we accept that truth, along with certain others when we use the roads.

The courts say that any other circumstance most probably involves a person who is culpable and responsible. If you fall asleep at the wheel you’ve not rested properly. If you just didn’t see in time you were either distracted, or your eyesight is the problem. If some other medical crisis, such as a heart attack leads to a crash, it’s most likely that the condition had a lead up that was either ignored or underestimated.

Should you drink alcohol or take any type of drug that impairs judgement you must not drive. Should your vehicle fail, its maintenance is faulty or insufficient; or perhaps the problem is one of design flaw. Somebody is responsible. When all else fails take a look at the road design. All these things lead to a responsible party who can, and should be held accountable for the harm that is caused to third parties.

There is one other situation that can lead to a calamitous scenario, and that is the common sneeze. That would be sudden, unexpected, they come in threes, and are completely out of the control of the sneezer. Good luck with that one.


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Valencia Street Circuit

Together with my friends, we attended the Formula Three races on the brand new Valencia Street Circuit, (pronounced “Sirkweeet”) on July 26th and 27th, 2008. We were there for the first ever, historical formal race, which was the Grand Prix GTA. I should tell you that I did enjoy myself because you might not be able to conclude that based on my following observations, but the fact is that we did have a good time.

The fun thing to do is pick a contestant and root for him with all your might. That way you get fully engaged and you’ll be elated or disappointed, as the case might be.

These races were actually trials of the track itself which had been newly and purpose built, although never before tested. Personnel, security, gate flow, seating, will all be put to extensive pressure for the Formula One that expects 112,000 paid attendance so this was a rehearsal for that event.

One reason why I was able to fully enjoy myself was because I had paid ten euros a day to attend. We sat in a section that will cost a minimum of 379 euros covering three days, August 22, 23, and the day of the actual race, the 24th. That will work out at 126 euros per day. Top price for the really super section is 480 euros, or 160 euros per day. These tickets are now being sold to late-comers at vastly higher prices.

I’m now going to play devil’s advocate and be picky, but please remember that I did enjoy myself.

Firstly, just on the outskirts of Valencia city is the world-class racing track at Cheste. I have watched Formula One trials there, and albeit, that track is a counter-clockwise course, I wonder if that really does make it impossible to hold the event there. From my viewpoint, there would be definite advantages for the spectator. For one thing the action can be followed all round the course from the comfort of every seat.

Why then, should the races be held in a street circuit? No matter where you sit you only get to see part of the action, and there does not appear to be any intention to place large screens around the course. That would be a definite advantage for it would then combine both live and broadcast action. Also, a programme showing who was driving which car would have helped. Perhaps this will be available for the big race.

Our tickets were sold by section and by specific seat, but on the days that we attended the seat numbers had not been put in place. That was an advantage to us as we could pick and choose as we pleased.

It was exceedingly hot on those bleachers in the exposed sun, so a small parasol was good thinking, just as long as it didn’t block out the action for others. Do not copy the selfish act of one patron who thought it perfectly alright to open up a gigantic umbrella in a key spot that blocked the view of hundreds of people. He was roundly condemned and had to take it down.

Security was generous, but for reasons best known to themselves all bottles of liquid had to have their tops removed and discarded. Probably not a good idea to take in champagne then.

As one might expect, anything that was purchased from vendors came at a ridiculous price. A small bottle of water at 2.00 euros. An ice cream that normally sells for 1.50 sold for 3.50.

I reserve my harshest barbs for sanitation. Organisers are relying on port-a-loos to serve the needs of such vast crowds. These things are hot as hell, smell like hell, and are probably what the real hell will be like. If there really is no other practical solution then I suggest that they need to be regularly patrolled by a small army of cleaners as they are an insult to people who are paying top euro to attend what is billed as a world-class event. That alone will bring the prestige of the event down.

Track workers will have to work much faster to clear crashed cars from the track. One such crash that happened for our benefit, that was little more than a fender bender, took a full half-hour to clear and stopped the race. That cannot stand for Formula One.

And finally, without getting into the rights or wrongs of worker’s disputes, once again, and right on cue, the Valencia Metro workers went on strike for the two days of Formula Three, and they will be on strike for the three days of Formula One. They can also be counted on to strike over Fallas, and most other major events that need to move massive numbers of people. By now, one wonders, whether this is legitimate labour negotiations in action or just plain blackmail of the public.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael