In the creation of Autodrome of Panamaa 67-hectare facility, the Central American country seeks to host a Formula One Grand Prix.
The “dream” seems to have a powerful force: Panama’s strategic position in the center of the continent. “We can invite any category almost worldwideincluding Formula One, although that is a dream, because it is a national project,” Pablo Otero, general manager of Autódromo Panamá, told EFE this Sunday.
“It’s a process between five and ten for one to get a license,” Otero said. The racetrack, located about 65 kilometers from the capital of Panama, held an ‘international race’ this weekend, which included Formula 4 tests and exhibitions.
According to Otero, this project, which hopes to become a reference for the region, started eight months ago and had its first GT Challenge of the Americas in April.
“It’s a new road course.with the latest certifications from the FIA (International Automobile Federation). We choose grade three which allows us to conduct almost any event at an international level,” explained the general manager of Autódromo Panamá.
It currently has a 2.6 kilometer circuit, and in December expansion to 4 kilometers will begin. They also hope that “by next year” they will be able to prepare the facilities to accommodate 20,000 spectators, Otero explained.
“Our projection for next year is to have a grid of 60 vehicles here in the countrywhere probably 30, 40 percent will be international,” he explained, because, he added, Panama has the advantage of being a ‘hub’ or regional center due to its privileged position.
“Panama not only has very comfortable logistics because of the issue of the Canal and being in the middle of the continent, but also in terms of air,” he explained, adding “tariff exemptions that allow pilots to spend less money,” he. added .
Currently, the qualifying events of the Formula One season in the countries of the American continent are held in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Brazil.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
