Madrid’s Madring circuit will host the F1 Spanish Grand Prix for the first time this weekend. According to Motorsport.com, citing Ferrari’s race preview, the design brief for the 5.416km circuit called for no manhole covers on the track surface, to avoid the problems with loose covers encountered at other street races.
Lessons from the Las Vegas incident
During first practice at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a problem arose with the concrete structure securing a manhole cover. The cover came loose and damaged Sainz’s Ferrari. The driver was unhurt, but the car needed major repairs, and Sainz also received a grid penalty.
The incident also disrupted the opening day’s schedule. First practice ended early after only about 10 minutes, second practice was delayed until 2:30am local time, and spectators were told to leave the circuit, leaving the grandstands empty.
Design requirement covers the entire track surface
Ferrari’s preview put the number of manhole covers at zero, referring specifically to the track surface on which the cars run. Madring combines public roads with sections purpose-built for F1, making it a semi-street circuit; Sainz also serves as an ambassador for the circuit.
