The Madrid Formula 1 circuit test will take place ahead of the city’s inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix, scheduled for September 11-13, 2026. Organizers plan to stage a preliminary race to ensure the new urban track, called Madring, is ready and safe for top-tier competition after recent safety concerns highlighted by incidents at other venues.
Testing Race to Prevent Problems Experienced Elsewhere
The Madrid fair and convention center, IFEMA, which forms part of the track location, will oversee the test event. José Vicente de los Mozos, president of the IFEMA Executive Committee, emphasized the importance of this trial race. He stated,
“our idea is to hold a lower-level race before September 11th to test that the cars can handle the conditions and to avoid a repeat of what happened in Las Vegas”
(vía EFE News). This comes as a response to the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where a loose drain cover damaged Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and nearly caused a serious accident.
Event Details and Future Race Plans for Spain
The upcoming test will be a national-category event primarily used to evaluate the circuit’s readiness for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Madrid has secured the rights to host the Spanish Grand Prix until 2035, marking a return to the city after a decade. Spain will also maintain its traditional event at the Barcelona–Catalunya circuit, which will remain on the F1 calendar alongside Madrid in certain years, including 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032.
Construction Progress and Ticket Sales
Work on the Madring circuit is expected to be complete by May 2026, providing a few months before the high-profile race weekend in September. Interest in the event is strong, with over 80,000 tickets already sold. This test race is a measured step to avoid safety issues and help ensure a smooth debut for Madrid on the Formula 1 calendar.
