From 22 to 24 August, 2008, Valencia will be the focus of the motoring world. More than 500 million spectators worldwide will watch the Formula One Grand Prix of Europe which will be held for the first time at the Valencia Street Circuit.

A special event in the Formula One calendar, this spectacular sport will take place in the unequalled setting of the port of Valencia, previously venue for the 32nd America's Cup. The 21st-century urban circuit is designed to ensure the safety of the drivers and, the comfort and enjoyment of the supporters.

The city of Valencia is prepared for important events, thanks to its extensive experience hosting international events such as the 32nd America's Cup, the World Superbike Championship (April 2008) in Cheste, or the IAFF's World Indoor Athletics Championship (March 2008); Cheste will also host the MotoGP World Championship in October 2008.

Valencia offers tourists a range of options: the charm of the city's old quarters; the emblematic City of Arts and Sciences; its popular and extensive beaches; its museums and cultural activities; the richness of its Mediterranean cuisine with a large variety of rice dishes, particularly paella; and the huge nightlife scene with open-air discos and summer terraces, many of which are open until dawn.

The window to the world of Valencia for the 21st Century

"The agreement is for the next seven years, which will be the first of 50 years of Formula 1 in Valencia" were the words used by Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management CEO, to seal the agreement for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe to be held in the capital of the Valencian Community in summer 2008.

The idea is to have a different event on the calendar, a 21st century street circuit with all the safety measures at the service of the drivers in the most vibrant spectacle of international sport within reach of its fans, at an unbeatable venue such as the port of Valencia, the leader of a Community that has advanced greatly over recent years and that has been chosen as the venue for international sporting, cultural and social events by their relevant promoters.

Valencia is the ideal city for holding a great event. It is an open city that has good communications by land, sea and air and that will have a spectacular modern circuit.

The holding of this event is the recognition of all the passionate and intense work that has been done in order to achieve this "commitment to an unrivalled future, a project for Valencia, Spain and Europe", as the President of the Valencian Council Francisco Camps put it in his speech at the presentation.

Furthermore, and despite being a street circuit, the holding of the Grand Prix of Europe will only cause minimal disruption to the local population and will have a zero cost thanks to the brave commitment by Valmor Sport, the company who will manage the rights of the Grand Prix.

Ever since the representatives of Valmor Sport signed the agreement with Bernie Ecclestone on June 1st 2007 in the present of the President of the Valencian Council Francisco Camps, the starting gun was fired for Valencia to open its doors to the Formula 1 World Championship.