The presentation ceremony of Engine Circuitheld last Tuesday at the Tenerife Auditoriumit cost 30,500 eurosaccording to Cabildo sources consulted by The day. This amount corresponds to the cache of the presenter, the specialized journalist Antonio Lobato, and the expenses derived from the infrastructure of the venue: lighting, sound, hostesses or other personnel. The presence of the three main guests, the drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. (Formula 1), Carlos Checa (former Moto GP) and the local Christine Giampaoli Zonca (Rally Extreme), did not have a direct cost. His attendance at the event is related to three long-term service contracts that the island institution of Tenerife has signed for a total of 605,000 euros. All three are managed by the public company Ideco.
The sources consulted by EL DÍA explain that the presence of Carlos Sainz is integrated into the service contract for 250,000 euros signed with the Agency by Sports and Life company. The agreement includes advisory activities, linking the image of Sainz with Tenerife, interviews, promotional events or presence on social networks.
Carlos Checa did not get paid to be in the Auditorium, always according to these sources, but he is linked to another major service contract, like the previous one, until the end of the season. In this case for 225,000 euros and with International Events Service SLU, a company belonging to the Dorna Sports Group, SL, organizer of the Motorcycle World Championship held under the MotoGP brand, of which it owns the commercial exploitation rights. In exchange for that amount, the Cabildo receives advice, infrastructure, logistics and promotion of the Motor Circuit.
As for the Italian-Tenerife pilot Christine GZ, the professional link that links her to her land is different. In this case, it is a sponsorship contract for 130,000 euros in exchange for carrying the name of Tenerife throughout the world on its car, helmet or clothing.
plenary commission.
Enrique Arriaga, vice president of the Cabildo, did not want to delve into this aspect although he clarifies that “only the contract with Carlos Sainz has the brutal return of five million followers on social networks.”
It has been summoned today in plenary commission by the Canarian Coalition. The nationalist counselor Verónica Meseguer has requested “the official documents to know the real cost” of the act and of the promotion, in general. She points out differences in terms of amounts between the president of the Cabildo, Pedro Martín, and Arriaga himself.
Costs and benefits.
Circuit Defender does reflect on the sports facility. He gives the example “of a similar economic level” of the Gran Canaria Arena “which cost 75 million euros and whose maintenance is faced by the Cabildo.” He values that «the Motor Circuit« generates many more benefits because we are not only talking about the great competitions with which an economic balance can be reached and that we do not give up celebrating in the future, but from day to day ». He summarizes: “The Circuit is not amortized, like any public infrastructure, but you have to work to make it profitable, all the studies point to it but it will depend on the management.”
fans.
The island councilor emphasizes “local events or the rental of motor fans”. In fact, he points out, “they now travel to Gran Canaria and spend the money there.” Another great source of wealth, points out Arriaga, «are the tests of vehicles or brand models. And Tenerife is a benchmark. We lacked the part of the circuit to meet all the benefits in this area. Without neglecting the promotion and attraction of visitors. “That is why the current marketing work is very important,” he stresses.
He does not forget to add that “where it is located, concerts or other shows can also be held.” And “in the final exploitation there will be benefits associated with the International Motor Park, located in the upper part of the circuit where industrial buildings related to this world will be located.”
Enrique Arriaga explains to conclude: «This circuit is not comparable to others at a national level such as MotorLand, in Aragón, where a lot of money has been lost. Around there is nothing, no hotels or infrastructure, it is in the middle of a desert and it is not an attractive place to go. Or the urban one of Valencia: «It was only used once a year and the rest remained without activity».
