SPANISH GP IS A SELL-OUT
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:12 am
SPANISH GP IS A SELL-OUT
Thursday, 21, April, 2005, 13:39
This year’s Spanish Grand Prix is set for a record attendance, with organisers announcing over the weekend that the race is completely sold out three weeks ahead of the event.
More than 115,000 people are expected to file through the turnstiles at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on May 8.
This is in stark contrast to the situation a few short years ago, when the Spanish GP was notorious for the apathy of the locals and a flat, almost soporific atmosphere.
Fernando Alonso’s dizzy rise to prominence has changed all that, and for the first time Formula 1 now outstrips motorcycle racing in terms of media coverage and fan interest in Spain.
Alonso fever recently reached new heights when his parents’ house in Oviedo was mobbed following his Sepang victory, prompting the 23-year-old to call on the Spanish media to exercise some restraint.
Nevertheless, Alonso will arrive in Barcelona with the hopes of a nation on his shoulders and – whatever happens at Imola this weekend – as the world championship leader.
Thursday, 21, April, 2005, 13:39
This year’s Spanish Grand Prix is set for a record attendance, with organisers announcing over the weekend that the race is completely sold out three weeks ahead of the event.
More than 115,000 people are expected to file through the turnstiles at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on May 8.
This is in stark contrast to the situation a few short years ago, when the Spanish GP was notorious for the apathy of the locals and a flat, almost soporific atmosphere.
Fernando Alonso’s dizzy rise to prominence has changed all that, and for the first time Formula 1 now outstrips motorcycle racing in terms of media coverage and fan interest in Spain.
Alonso fever recently reached new heights when his parents’ house in Oviedo was mobbed following his Sepang victory, prompting the 23-year-old to call on the Spanish media to exercise some restraint.
Nevertheless, Alonso will arrive in Barcelona with the hopes of a nation on his shoulders and – whatever happens at Imola this weekend – as the world championship leader.
