2009 F1 Telefonica Grand Prix Of Europe
Valencia joined the Formula One circuit in 2008, when the checkered flag came down over Felipe Massa, the first Formula 1 winner there.
The track is made up of 5.4 km city streets that wind their way around the recently reconstructed America’s Cup marina.
The backdrop to the race is the beautiful Mediterranean. Spain has come a long way in a short period of time. They have gone from no television coverage, to hosting two Grand Prix.
Valencia is Spain’s third largest city; it is a compact city covering only 23 square kilometers. With the Formula 1 circuit in town, this city is going to be overflowing with excited race and party goers, what it won’t be overflowing with is accommodations so you’ll want to get your reservations in early.
Where to stay?
There is a full range of choices available when it comes to hotels, from the posh upper scale, to the mid range popular chains. The most expensive hotels are in the ‘Old Town’ and along the coast. There isn’t likely to be any bargain rates handed out during this event, the draw is expected to fill the local establishments to overflowing. If you cannot find a hotel with vacancies in the city, there are hotels in the surrounding towns that would be happy to accommodate you.
Here is a partial list of hotels to get you started on your adventure:
Hostal Residencia Torrijos
Poligono Industrial Castilla Area de Servicios, Cheste, 46380Las Canadas
Carretera Godelleta -Turis, 8,
Godelleta, 46388Hotel Muralleta
Cisterna, 31-33, Ribarroja, 46190Mas De Canicatti
Ctra. Pedralba Km. 2,9,
Vilamarxant, 46191Masia El Ferrajon
Partida Covatillas
S/N, Chiva, 46008La Eliana Aparthotel
Pintor Domingo, 1, L’Eliana, 46183
You’ll want to make your reservations as soon as you can so you don’t end up commuting from another outlying town.
Getting to the event
If you’re thinking of taking a car, you may want to reconsider, Valencia is a small city and parking will be close to impossible to find. The public transport system is probably your best option for getting to and from the airport and the event. This will save you the cost of the vehicle, the aggravation of the crowded driving situations, and the long walks from where you finally find a parking space (if at all). If you have a mind to, another unique vantage point to watch the race would be from a boat in the marina, but you would need to negotiate that with the harbour master prior to locating yourself in your prime position.
