Political row breaks out over Valencia Formula One decision

Political row breaks out over Valencia Formula One decision
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By h.b. - May 11, 2007 - 8:37 AM

The presentation of the valencia race yesterday with the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barberá, Bernie Ecclestone and Francisco Camps - Photo EFE

Bernie Ecclestone says he will bring Formula One to Valencia only if the Partido Popular is reelected in the city

The decision of the British Formula One boss, Bernie Ecclestone, to say that he will bring the Grand Prix championships to a new urban circuit in Valencia, only if the Partido Popular win the election, has turned into a political storm in Spain.

Ecclestone is a friend of Francisco Camps, current PP President of the Valencia Region, and he told the press that only deals with the people he trusts.

He unveiled plans for the new Formula One race to be held on a urban circuit round Valencia port for seven years from 2008 in a ceremony held with Francisco Camps and the mayor of Valencia, Rita Barberá, yesterday.

The Socialist party is reporting the deal to the Electoral Commission. Their candidate for Mayor of Valencia, Carmen Alborch described it as ‘intolerable blackmail’ and said it was ‘extremely serious’ the day before the official start of campaigning.

The Socialists are also demanding to know the role of Alejandro Agag, José María Aznar’s son in law, who is another friend of Ecclestone.

PP National leader Mariano Rajoy said the owner of Formula One could make the deals he wants, with the conditions he wants.

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