Madrid circuit raises Spanish flag with Carlos Sainz as ambassador

Madrid's new semi-urban Formula 1 circuit, the "Madring," officially raised its Spanish flag on Tuesday, signaling its readiness to host the Spanish Grand Prix in September. This marks the return of Formula 1 to the capital after a 45-year absence.

Carlos Sainz, the Spanish driver and ambassador for the event, was the star attraction at the presentation ceremony held on the 5.4-kilometer track. Sainz, currently in his eleventh F1 season and second with Williams, has four wins and 29 podiums to his name. He was joined by other prominent figures, including Manuel Aviñó, president of the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation and FIA vice-president, and José Vicente de los Mozos, president of IFEMA, who unveiled the winner's trophy.

Madrid's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, also attended the event. Carlos Sainz Sr., a two-time rally world champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner, and Luis García Abad, the Grand Prix's director general, were also present. Attendees toured the initial section of the circuit, noting the distinctive 'Monumental' curve, which features a 24% gradient and is represented in the design of the trophy.

The circuit will host the fourteenth race of the Formula 1 season on September 13. This year's championship is currently led by Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, with 156 points, 41 ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari. Hamilton won the previous race in Barcelona-Catalonia. Sainz finished twelfth in Barcelona, while fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso had to retire due to a battery issue.

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