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ECCLESTONE BELIEVES VALENCIA DID NOT FULFIL EXPECTATIONS
Dave Bull / 2009-05-02 13:27:35
Speaking in Barcelona last week, Formula 1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone stated that he considers the urban circuit in Valencia the best in the world.
However, he also stated ‘I believe that we were too hasty and the Grand Prix was staged a year too soon, and expressed the opinion that the Valencia race did not fulfil expectations, ‘ but refused to be drawn any further.
These remarks came after the organizers of the European Grand Prix - Valmor Sport, which includes Bancaja, Fernando Roig and Jorge Martinez Aspar - had asked Mr Ecclestone to reduce the 18 million Euro price tag he was demanding in order that the race be staged in Valencia, Sources close to Mr Ecclestone revealed that they had no intention of lowering the price and that a contract had been signed to stage the races in Valencia for seven years. As a result it appears that Valmor is now considering asking the Valencian Government to participate financially in the staging of the races this year
REACTION
In a reaction to the remarks made by Mr Ecclestone, Valencia Mayoress Rita Barbera stated last evening that she considered his words were rather strange, surprising unfortunate and contradictory. She made these remarks following a meeting with Valmor Sport aimed at fixing the date for this year’s race - August 23. Mrs Barbera also stated that everyone at the meeting were perplexed by the comments of Mr Ecclestone as every time we have heard him speak, he was heaping praise on Valencia along with expressions of admiration at the efficiency with which were showed ourselves capable of putting together the event. She also stated that Mr Ecclestone was effusive in his praise of Valencia, the administrators of the City and the Valencian Government. Mrs Barbera implied that Mr Ecclestone made these remarks in Barcelona, where there is a considerable movement to take the Grand Prix away from us.
Every time we stage a world event, something comes from Catalunia to harm the reputation of Valencia. When she was asked about the allegations from Valmor Sport over the financing of the event, Mrs Barbera stated that the Town Hall has done all it can, and the Valmor had never asked for financial participation from the Town Council.
Tags: Formula One
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