BarcelonaThe Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been in deficit since 2009, which forces the Generalitat to cover the hole in the accounts every year with new contributions of money. To try to reduce this public dependence, the Circuit’s management, led by its president Roger Torrent (Sarrià de Ter, 1979), has presented a strategic plan in which it delimits the main lines of action. The Minister of Industry and Labor of the Government of the Generalitat x-rays this new stage of the Circuit in the ARA and analyzes the challenges that must be faced.
This plan has been awaited for many years. How was it designed and why is it important?
— The plan is crucial to bring the circuit up to date. We have had a first stage of 30 years in which we have established ourselves as a center of prestigious competitions. We are the only circuit in the world that has the four major motor races: Formula 1, MotoGP, Rally Cross and Superbikes. Now we have to take a step further because it is no longer enough just to think with the competition, we have to introduce environmental and economic sustainability.
Could you explain the main points of this plan?
— The plan answers three key questions. The first: how do we achieve leadership from a circuit sustainability point of view? One of the main actions is to put photovoltaic panels in the circuit. Covering the grandstand roof with more than 18,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels to generate clean energy is very emblematic. The second question: how do we increase the generation of direct resources? The circuit has a very high maintenance cost, but it also has a very big impact from an economic and social point of view for Vallès Oriental and for the country as a whole. What we want to do is manage spending efficiently so that the public contribution is lower than it has been historically. The third question is: how do we more closely associate the circuit with the country’s automotive research, development and industry? It can be a testing platform to bring together all the actors in this ecosystem.
Is it possible to reach a point where the circuit does not need public investment?
– No. There is no circuit in the world that has the benchmark races that we have that is financially sustainable without public input. However, what we want is to increase the source of direct income so that the public contribution is lower and lower.
What is the total economic body of this plan?
— We have planned an investment of 30 million euros for the next two or three years. These are investments that will serve to adapt it to the requirements of the 21st century.
Formula 1 and MotoGP contracts have been renewed this season. How have the negotiations been?
— We managed to guarantee the races until 2026, which was not easy because there is a lot of competition here from some territories and cities. The agreement is for a long period of time, it gives us stability and peace of mind, and changes a little the dynamics that had been there until now, which was being renewed year by year with a very agonizing situation.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso has said publicly that she wants to take F1 to Madrid. Have you noticed these interventions?
— Yes, there was competition especially from Madrid. That is why it is important that we have closed until 2026, as it gives us room and peace of mind to negotiate the next stage.
Is it possible that at some point Catalonia will be left without the Grand Prix and that it will go to Madrid?
— If we continue to do the job well, no. If we do what we have done so far, and I think that the strategic pole is a demonstration and a very clear bet, no. But we have to do the job well.
Among these challenges is that of ensuring the safety of the route. What changes need to be made to continue to be safe for pilots?
— We are becoming safer and here we are not only applying specific improvements to the layout or the track, but we will also be introducing technological advances that should help us avoid accidents both in the vehicles and in the equipment itself. Here we must make a clear effort and part of the investments will go in this direction, as it could not be otherwise.
What is the role played by Barcelona City Council in the circuit? Economically, it makes no contribution, but Barcelona’s name is a claim and the city ends up benefiting from it.
— Barcelona helps project the circuit and the circuit helps project Barcelona. It’s a very clear binomial. We would like all of us to be more aware of it and, therefore, act online to emphasize and strengthen this relationship that benefits everyone. The economic impact of the circuit in the city of Barcelona is very clear. Barcelona is a very powerful brand on a global scale, we know that. Obviously from the circuit we see it that way and I think we should be able to connect even more than we have done in recent years.
Does the return obtained from a Grand Prix justify the constant public investment?
— The figures prove it. We are talking about almost 300 million euros of return; therefore, of a very large economic and social impact, not only for a first crown in Vallès Oriental, but for the country as a whole. There is also another element that is perhaps less tangible, but equally important, which is the projection of the country and Barcelona around the world, in terms of tourism, in terms of attracting talent.
Is the possibility of selling the naming rights del circuit?
— We will work on public-private collaboration much more intensively. For us there are three ingredients that inspire the strategic plan, which are indispensable: sustainability, joint work with the territory and public-private collaboration. The circuit is a source of prosperity and we want it to be even more so, and to do so we will have to work hand in hand with the private sector because it is fundamental for the future, not only of the infrastructure but of the country.
When choosing a company to name the circuit, would these factors be non-negotiable?
– Certainly. It would be inconsistent with the speech we want to make and practice from the circuit. Everyone who wants to collaborate, everyone who wants to contribute to the circuit, must also have these principles deeply integrated.
Can this strategic plan be approved if the budgets of the Generalitat are not approved?
— Yes, the strategic plan is for the circuit. It is an infrastructure roadmap. In any case, the budgets are relevant from the point of view of the resources we can dispose of, but not just the circuit, but the entire Department of Business and Work. That is precisely why it is so important that they are approved.
If these budgets are not approved with the votes of Junts, could other ways be sought such as with the help of the PSC?
— We do not envisage any other scenario than that Junts per Catalunya, which 15 days ago defended the goodness of the budgets, votes for them. If not, it would be a flagrant inconsistency, having defended the goodness of the budgets prepared by Councilor Jaume Giró and that now they were not voted just for political tactics. We want to have tools to help the citizens of Catalonia, especially in difficult times from a social and economic point of view. There is no other alternative than to approve the budgets for 2023, and even more so if we take into account that those who have led the government during all these months have defended its goodness and therefore it would not be understood that they would now something other than not voting for it.
