Latest news with #MiquelSàmper
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Are we nearing the end of Barcelona's run as an F1 city? Madrid addition puts race in doubt
MONTMELO, Spain (AP) — Barcelona may be quickly approaching its end as a Formula 1 city after more than three decades of racing in northeastern Spain. The grand prix is under contract through next year, but the addition of a race in Madrid also in 2026 has put a bullseye on the event that has been held near Barcelona since 1991. F1 has trended toward adding urban and temporary circuits, which offer spectators the services and attractions of a city and are not difficult to get to. That push was behind the announcement last year that Spain's capital would get its own race on a temporary circuit. Miquel Sàmper, who is president of the largely publicly-owned Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the regional minister for business and labor for Catalonia, visited the paddock ahead qualifying for the Spanish GP on Saturday. He told reporters that negotiations were ongoing with F1 to keep the race on the calendar in 2027 but they would take maximum discretion and, most importantly, time, just like 'the best cooking.' 'This will only go well if we are discrete,' Sàmper said. 'There are lots of possible options, and that is making this take longer. We are analyzing each and every one for its pros and cons, and keeping in mind the circumstances: there are more and more countries that want grand prixs.' Two races for Spain? F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said during the presentation of the Madrid event in January 2024 that that the arrival of new race wouldn't rule out keeping the Barcelona event on the calendar. Spain did briefly host two races when it had the European Grand Prix on a street circuit in Valencia from 2008-12. But Italy appears set to lose Imola, leaving it just the Monza race, as F1 expands in the United States, where it now holds three races, and seeks out new fans beyond the already tapped-out European market. When asked by The Associated Press if F1 had slammed the hood on the possibility of having two races in Spain, Sàmper said he couldn't comment. The Madrid race will become the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning that next year's race in Catalonia will have to get a new name. Sàmper said that is still being talked about with F1 as well. Drivers defend Barcelona Fernando Alonso made an impassioned defense of Barcelona on Thursday, going so far as to predict that it would stay on the calendar. 'It's good to have new countries as well that Formula 1 has moved to in the last decade. But at the same time, we need to keep some traditional circuits where the history of Formula 1 has been written and made,' the Spanish two-time champion said. Those bits of F1 history include a memorable duel between Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna as they jousted side by side down pitlane during the first Barcelona race. And for modern fans, current F1 champion Max Verstappen became the youngest race winner at age 18 on this track. 'For F1 in general," Verstappen said this week, 'it would be a bit of a loss, of course, if this track goes.' The circuit is considered a good standard track with high-speed and medium-speed turns. It has been regularly used for winter testing as well. The thinking goes: if your car performs here, it should perform well in most fixed tracks. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton both won six times on this circuit as they amassed world titles. Hamilton agreed it is a 'classic' race, while adding it would be difficult for Madrid to build a better track. 'Building a new circuit is hit or miss, and 95% of the time it is worse,' Hamilton said. 'But as long as we have a good as circuit then it is OK.' Things to improve The 4.66-kilometer (2.89-mile) Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya layout is not conducive to overtaking. The best chance trailing drivers have is usually at the very start on the long run to the first turn. Officials have invested in recent years to improve facilities, but it still is difficult to get to despite being located on a hill above the working-class town of Montmelo some 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Barcelona. Roads and commuter trains are overwhelmed by the more than 100,000 fans who come on race day. ___
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Are we nearing the end of Barcelona's run as an F1 city? Madrid addition puts race in doubt
MONTMELO, Spain (AP) — Barcelona may be quickly approaching its end as a Formula 1 city after more than three decades of racing in northeastern Spain. The grand prix is under contract through next year, but the addition of a race in Madrid also in 2026 has put a bullseye on the event that has been held near Barcelona since 1991. F1 has trended toward adding urban and temporary circuits, which offer spectators the services and attractions of a city and are not difficult to get to. That push was behind the announcement last year that Spain's capital would get its own race on a temporary circuit. Miquel Sàmper, who is president of the largely publicly-owned Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the regional minister for business and labor for Catalonia, visited the paddock ahead qualifying for the Spanish GP on Saturday. He told reporters that negotiations were ongoing with F1 to keep the race on the calendar in 2027 but they would take maximum discretion and, most importantly, time, just like 'the best cooking.' 'This will only go well if we are discrete,' Sàmper said. 'There are lots of possible options, and that is making this take longer. We are analyzing each and every one for its pros and cons, and keeping in mind the circumstances: there are more and more countries that want grand prixs.' Two races for Spain? F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said during the presentation of the Madrid event in January 2024 that that the arrival of new race wouldn't rule out keeping the Barcelona event on the calendar. Spain did briefly host two races when it had the European Grand Prix on a street circuit in Valencia from 2008-12. But Italy appears set to lose Imola , leaving it just the Monza race, as F1 expands in the United States, where it now holds three races, and seeks out new fans beyond the already tapped-out European market. When asked by The Associated Press if F1 had slammed the hood on the possibility of having two races in Spain, Sàmper said he couldn't comment. The Madrid race will become the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning that next year's race in Catalonia will have to get a new name. Sàmper said that is still being talked about with F1 as well. Drivers defend Barcelona Fernando Alonso made an impassioned defense of Barcelona on Thursday, going so far as to predict that it would stay on the calendar. 'It's good to have new countries as well that Formula 1 has moved to in the last decade. But at the same time, we need to keep some traditional circuits where the history of Formula 1 has been written and made,' the Spanish two-time champion said. Those bits of F1 history include a memorable duel between Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna as they jousted side by side down pitlane during the first Barcelona race. And for modern fans, current F1 champion Max Verstappen became the youngest race winner at age 18 on this track. 'For F1 in general,' Verstappen said this week, 'it would be a bit of a loss, of course, if this track goes.' The circuit is considered a good standard track with high-speed and medium-speed turns. It has been regularly used for winter testing as well. The thinking goes: if your car performs here, it should perform well in most fixed tracks. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton both won six times on this circuit as they amassed world titles. Hamilton agreed it is a 'classic' race, while adding it would be difficult for Madrid to build a better track. 'Building a new circuit is hit or miss, and 95% of the time it is worse,' Hamilton said. 'But as long as we have a good as circuit then it is OK.' Things to improve The 4.66-kilometer (2.89-mile) Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya layout is not conducive to overtaking. The best chance trailing drivers have is usually at the very start on the long run to the first turn. Officials have invested in recent years to improve facilities, but it still is difficult to get to despite being located on a hill above the working-class town of Montmelo some 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Barcelona. Roads and commuter trains are overwhelmed by the more than 100,000 fans who come on race day. So next year could be the swan song for F1 in Montmelo. ___ AP auto racing:
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Are we nearing the end of Barcelona's run as an F1 city? Madrid addition puts race in doubt
MONTMELO, Spain (AP) — Barcelona may be quickly approaching its end as a Formula 1 city after more than three decades of racing in northeastern Spain. The grand prix is under contract through next year, but the addition of a race in Madrid also in 2026 has put a bullseye on the event that has been held near Barcelona since 1991. F1 has trended toward adding urban and temporary circuits, which offer spectators the services and attractions of a city and are not difficult to get to. That push was behind the announcement last year that Spain's capital would get its own race on a temporary circuit. Miquel Sàmper, who is president of the largely publicly-owned Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the regional minister for business and labor for Catalonia, visited the paddock ahead qualifying for the Spanish GP on Saturday. He told reporters that negotiations were ongoing with F1 to keep the race on the calendar in 2027 but they would take maximum discretion and, most importantly, time, just like 'the best cooking.' 'This will only go well if we are discrete,' Sàmper said. 'There are lots of possible options, and that is making this take longer. We are analyzing each and every one for its pros and cons, and keeping in mind the circumstances: there are more and more countries that want grand prixs.' Two races for Spain? F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said during the presentation of the Madrid event in January 2024 that that the arrival of new race wouldn't rule out keeping the Barcelona event on the calendar. Spain did briefly host two races when it had the European Grand Prix on a street circuit in Valencia from 2008-12. But Italy appears set to lose Imola, leaving it just the Monza race, as F1 expands in the United States, where it now holds three races, and seeks out new fans beyond the already tapped-out European market. When asked by The Associated Press if F1 had slammed the hood on the possibility of having two races in Spain, Sàmper said he couldn't comment. The Madrid race will become the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning that next year's race in Catalonia will have to get a new name. Sàmper said that is still being talked about with F1 as well. Drivers defend Barcelona Fernando Alonso made an impassioned defense of Barcelona on Thursday, going so far as to predict that it would stay on the calendar. 'It's good to have new countries as well that Formula 1 has moved to in the last decade. But at the same time, we need to keep some traditional circuits where the history of Formula 1 has been written and made,' the Spanish two-time champion said. Those bits of F1 history include a memorable duel between Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna as they jousted side by side down pitlane during the first Barcelona race. And for modern fans, current F1 champion Max Verstappen became the youngest race winner at age 18 on this track. 'For F1 in general,' Verstappen said this week, 'it would be a bit of a loss, of course, if this track goes.' The circuit is considered a good standard track with high-speed and medium-speed turns. It has been regularly used for winter testing as well. The thinking goes: if your car performs here, it should perform well in most fixed tracks. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton both won six times on this circuit as they amassed world titles. Hamilton agreed it is a 'classic' race, while adding it would be difficult for Madrid to build a better track. 'Building a new circuit is hit or miss, and 95% of the time it is worse,' Hamilton said. 'But as long as we have a good as circuit then it is OK.' Things to improve Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The 4.66-kilometer (2.89-mile) Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya layout is not conducive to overtaking. The best chance trailing drivers have is usually at the very start on the long run to the first turn. Officials have invested in recent years to improve facilities, but it still is difficult to get to despite being located on a hill above the working-class town of Montmelo some 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Barcelona. Roads and commuter trains are overwhelmed by the more than 100,000 fans who come on race day. So next year could be the swan song for F1 in Montmelo. ___ AP auto racing:
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Another 9,000 Airbnbs across Spain forced to be taken down after major holiday crackdown
THOUSANDS more Airbnbs are at risk in Spain amid a major crackdown on holiday rentals. Earlier this week, the Spanish government confirmed that more than 65,000 holiday rentals had to be removed from the Airbnb website. 2 Catalonia has revealed more than 9,000 Airbnbs that need to be taken down Credit: Alamy This is because they were found to be breaching tourist regulation rules, which includes not having an official license number, or no information on the owner's status. And Catalonia Tourism has since listed another 9,000 Airbnb rentals that are illegal, This is on top of the 65,000 determined by the Spanish government. Cities in Catalonia this would affect include Read more on Spain Miquel Sàmper, Catalan business and labor minister, said more than 10,000 illegal Airbnb listings were removed last year. The new clampdown on Airbnbs across Spain affects six regions - Madrid, Valencia, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands (affecting Majorca, Ibiza , Menorca and Formentera) and the Basque Country. A Madrid court ruling said 5,000 rentals in the city would be removed after found to be breaching the guidelines regulations. The new rules will be introduced from July 1, although Airbnb has said it will appeal the latest ruling. Most read in News Travel Brits who have booked an Airbnb this summer in Spain should check their booking before travelling. To check that the holiday rental is legal, holidaymakers can check the listing for a license number, or ask the owner of the property for it. Inside Airbnb capital of UK where fed-up locals have no neighbours The crackdown on Airbnbs in Spain isn't new, with other regions already introducing their own strict rules. The city of Seville only allows 10 per cent of homes per And Malaga has next three years. What the new Airbnb rules mean for your Spanish holiday The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains. THE Spanish government's latest bid to tackle protests about the lack of affordable housing and over tourism could have a big impact on Brits looking to book a holiday rental this summer. In a bid to appease locals who fear they have been priced out of the market by the rise in short-term holiday lets, the latest move could force Airbnb to remove up to 65,000 properties the government claim are violating rules. Airbnb has said it will appeal the latest ruling, handed down by a court in Madrid, which backed a government bid to remove 5,800 listings. Spain's leaders have since asked for a further 60,000 to be struck from the site across the country, despite Airbnb claiming they used 'an indiscriminate methodology' to include rentals that do not need a licence to operate. It comes as a new EU regulation, first introduced in January and coming into full force on July 1, will insist on the registration of any short-term rental. If you have booked a short term rental via Airbnb or any other booking service like What is also worth noting though, is moves in other parts of the world to ban Airbnb-style rentals have not had the desired effect. New York City's 2023 Local Law 18, which restricted stays under 30 days, saw the number of listings plummet by 83per cent. But while there was a reduction in short term rentals, rents continued to rise in New York and hotel prices rocketed, with some reports indicating a rise at twice the rate of inflation. Here are some other rules in Spain to be aware of And we've rounded up some other tourist rules including 2 Cities affected by the Catalonia rules include Barcelona and Riga Credit: Alamy
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Another 9,000 Airbnbs across Spain forced to be taken down after major holiday crackdown
THOUSANDS more Airbnbs are at risk in Spain amid a major crackdown on holiday rentals. Earlier this week, the Spanish government confirmed that more than 65,000 holiday rentals had to be removed from the Airbnb website. 2 This is because they were found to be breaching tourist regulation rules, which includes not having an official license number, or no information on the owner's status. And Catalonia Tourism has since listed another 9,000 Airbnb rentals that are illegal, according to local media, with calls for them to be taken down. This is on top of the 65,000 determined by the Spanish government. Cities in Catalonia this would affect include Barcelona, Reus and Tarragona. Miquel Sàmper, Catalan business and labor minister, said more than 10,000 illegal Airbnb listings were removed last year. The new clampdown on Airbnbs across Spain affects six regions - Madrid, Valencia, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands (affecting Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera) and the Basque Country. A Madrid court ruling said 5,000 rentals in the city would be removed after found to be breaching the guidelines regulations. The new rules will be introduced from July 1, although Airbnb has said it will appeal the latest ruling. Brits who have booked an Airbnb this summer in Spain should check their booking before travelling. To check that the holiday rental is legal, holidaymakers can check the listing for a license number, or ask the owner of the property for it. Inside Airbnb capital of UK where fed-up locals have no neighbours The crackdown on Airbnbs in Spain isn't new, with other regions already introducing their own strict rules. Barcelona wants a total ban on holiday rentals in the city by 2028, the mayor confirmed. The city of Seville only allows 10 per cent of homes per neighbourhood to be rented out as Airbnbs. And Malaga has baned any new holiday rentals being listed for the next three years. What the new Airbnb rules mean for your Spanish holiday The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains. THE Spanish government's latest bid to tackle protests about the lack of affordable housing and over tourism could have a big impact on Brits looking to book a holiday rental this summer. In a bid to appease locals who fear they have been priced out of the market by the rise in short-term holiday lets, the latest move could force Airbnb to remove up to 65,000 properties the government claim are violating rules. Airbnb has said it will appeal the latest ruling, handed down by a court in Madrid, which backed a government bid to remove 5,800 listings. Spain's leaders have since asked for a further 60,000 to be struck from the site across the country, despite Airbnb claiming they used 'an indiscriminate methodology' to include rentals that do not need a licence to operate. It comes as a new EU regulation, first introduced in January and coming into full force on July 1, will insist on the registration of any short-term rental. If you have booked a short term rental via Airbnb or any other booking service like this summer, then the first thing you should do is check the rental has been registered correctly. It should be clearly displayed on the listing. What is also worth noting though, is moves in other parts of the world to ban Airbnb-style rentals have not had the desired effect. New York City's 2023 Local Law 18, which restricted stays under 30 days, saw the number of listings plummet by 83per cent. But while there was a reduction in short term rentals, rents continued to rise in New York and hotel prices rocketed, with some reports indicating a rise at twice the rate of inflation. Here are some other rules in Spain to be aware of including the "£97 a day" rule. And we've rounded up some other tourist rules including football shirt bans and beach smoking bans. 2
