He Island Government Council of the Cabildo approves the contracting of works to build the motor circuit Tenerife in Atogo (Granadilla de Abona). The island president Peter Martin, emphasizes that “it is a great step forward” in this work whose initial design dates back more than three decades. The tender will allow companies to apply now to carry out these works, which have a budget of 56 million euros and a completion period of 40 months. The First Vice President and Island Councilor for Roads, Enrique Arriaga, assured that “there are many difficulties that have arisen along the way, but we are very happy because in a few months work on this infrastructure, so demanded by thousands of fans, can begin. to the engine on the Island”. Pedro Martín emphasizes for his part that “this year we will be able to see machinery working in the area.” Likewise, he adds that “it is important that when talking about the Engine Circuit It is no longer just about addressing ideas, possible projects or talking about the future». The president believes that “we have to take steps in this long process, with many administrative procedures, to comply with all the regulations.”
The tender includes the execution of three projects: the channeling of the three ravines with the mandatory defense plan against the avenues as the axis; the earthworks and installations for the removable stands and, finally, the speed track itself. For his part, Enrique Arriaga points out that “the circuit will have a surface of about 650,000 square meters that will allow all kinds of competitions to be held with quality and, above all, safely. Remember, also, that “it has the approvals of the International Automobile Federation and the International Motorcycle Federation to host top-level races.” This space will not be exclusively for large events, since, explains the counselor, “our goal is for the motor world to continue to grow in Tenerife.” For this, the Circuit will have facilities dedicated to training around motorsports and there will also be plots where companies related to this sector can set up to test components, competition materials, assembly of parts and repair, which will be will become a new niche employment in the southern part of the Island. The intention is to generate economy around the sector.
A route of 4,050 meters
Once the works are finished, the Tenerife Motor Circuit It will have a layout of 4,050 meters and a main straight of 800 long, as well as secondary straights designed to facilitate overtaking, especially in the case of cars, with various ramps that will be a spectacle for motorcycles. In addition, it will be characterized by being one of the few circuits in the world to circulate in an anti-clockwise direction. The layout is developed with a total of 16 curves in plan, of which there will be 11 to the left and 5 to the right. All of them will have different base radii starting from a minimum of 21 meters to a maximum of 100 meters. Transversely, the curves will have a single slope that varies between 1% and 5% depending on the radius and speed of travel. In the circuit It will be possible to reach maximum speeds by car of 320 kilometers per hour and minimum speeds of 95 in the steepest curve and in the case of motorcycles, the speed range ranges between 315 and 80 kilometers per hour. All this will be complemented by a 72,000 square meter paddock –closed area next to the track– prepared to accommodate all the needs required by any national or international competition. There will be 15 boxes for cars and 45 for motorcycles. The infrastructure will also have a grandstand with capacity for more than 5,000 people, a restaurant and a shopping area. last weekend, the Tenerife Circuito del Motor was present with a large advertising space at the Portuguese Grand Prix of MotoGP, in Portimao. This circuit is the mirror in which the Tenerife infrastructure wants to look at itself. Both in terms of dimensions and its mixed use. Adapted to cars and motorcycles,
For and against
The presentation of the Circuit took place last July with a massive act at the Auditorio de Tenerife. flock Carlos SainzFerrari driver, Carlos Checa, from Moto GP, Christine GZ from Tenerife, rally and off-road specialist, and the communicator Antonio Lobato. The venue is full and that shows the great love for motorsports that exists in Tenerife. On the island there are some 20 teams and clubs, with some 1,500 federated athletes that “they need an adequate space to be able to promote their activity in conditions of quality and safety” says the insular president Pedro Martín. The Cabildo defends that it is an infrastructure that “has been projected for decades” and to which “a decisive impulse has been given” because it is “an important attraction for the Island.” They are also in favor of this project, the businessmen of the south united in the Círculo CEST. But the installation does not please everyone. In fact, that day in July, dozens of people gathered in front of the Auditorium who raised the flag of environmentalism and considered the infrastructure “an attack against biodiversity.” There are two simultaneous demonstrations; the other, formed by the many fans of this sport. Separated by the Police. The Motor Circuit also starred in other episodes in recent months. For example, the rejection of the insular plenary session to the schedule planned by the government (PSOE and Cs) which made it necessary to carry out the approval again later. The first time they voted against CC, PP and Sí Podemos Canary Islands. It was the reason for the purples, who have always rejected it, to stop supporting it from outside in December last year, which endangered the budgets for 2023. The Motor Circuit continued in a process that has been slow until now reaching this penultimate step before the start of the work. The forecast is that it could be a reality in 2027. To the joy of some and the anger of others.
