Henry Arriaga: "We dream of hosting Formula 1 or MotoGP"

A few hours before the Tenerife Motor Circuit showcased the society with the presence and support of talented personalities such as journalists Antonio Lobato or like pilots Carlos Checa and Carlos Sainz Jr.., Enrique Arriaga, The First Vice President and Island Councilor for the Areas of Roads, Mobility, Innovation and Culture of the Cabildo de Tenerife, listened to the call from Mundo Deportivo so that we can learn more about the work being done in the Canary Islands with the aim of host, for several years, leading automotive trials.

How was the idea of ​​the Motor Circuit born?

It was raised in 1990 to respond to Tenerife’s huge interest for the motor world. It has evolved over the years with site selection, land acquisition, the approval of a Territorial Plan that will give urban coverage to all activities that will take place … There was an attempt in 2015 to award construction and management to an Italian company, but ultimately it failed because it was not solvent.

In 2018, the idea of ​​carrying out the work was reconsidered and instead of handing it over to an external company, it will be carried out by Cabildo. In 2019, drafting of all projects began again. Since then, we have included the highest level of homologation of both motorcycles and cars, as well as in the drafting of projects. By the end of 2021 we had FIA authorization and we started to tender for the works to start them this year; that is our goal.

Why should Tenerife blindly bet on this idea?

For two important reasons: to respond to the huge trend that exists on our island for the motor world and there is not enough infrastructure to perform any kind of competition and, secondly, because it is an international tourist attraction. It puts us in the middle of the map for motor fans, which keeps a lot of people moving. This will be very important for Tenerife, as it will generate the economy and jobs.

When there is a high level of competition on a circuit, the whole area benefits from the activity: catering, airport, hotel, car rental, etc. The return it usually has, indirectly, is often greater than the investment made.

Can a Motor Park be arranged identically to support this circuit?

Not only for the training part, planned for the third stage, but economic activity for the motor world. The above circuit plots are classified for industrial use specifically for the motor world. This will allow companies in this sector to establish themselves close to the circuit and we will have part tests, supplies of various materials for any competition, part assembly, repair, sheet metal … and that will be attached to the core of the motor circuit.

Is it difficult to get the necessary support?

It has cost and even politics because there has been enough controversy. The political groups that initially started the project today, not in the Government, have harassed the opposition, blocking the budget item for the year 2022. There has also been some small controversy with some environmental groups that are also not very foundation because we are talking about that the circuit is in an area that is already classified as urbanistic and does not have much agricultural or landscape resources; It’s a place that breaks down.

If we talk about hosting motor competitions, which one does Tenerife dream of?

We dream of the highest level: Formula 1 and MotoGP. For that we need to have a well centered head and step by step. We can’t try to aim at great competitions without being shot in a few years. We cannot fall into failure, as happened in the Indonesian Circuit, for example. We have to roll with minor competitions. And, when we are after a few years, we can qualify for big competitions as long as we get the right sponsors.

Is it a fact that Formula 1 could be in the Canary Islands?

Why not? The Circuit is homologated to the highest level and both Formula 1 and MotoGP races could be held on our island in the near future.

Verónica Meseguer, island councilor for the Canarian Coalition and opposition to the Government, said activities have been halted now, is this true?

It’s not like that. We are with the work in progress, the north access will soon be completed. A change will be made to the junction of the northern access with the insular road, which has already been approved. Works have already begun and now we will start bidding for the main works: track, paddock, channeling of ravines and the second part of the north access. The activities have not been stopped and will continue for at least two years and we hope that in 2025 we will have the possibility to use this runway.

The CC counselor stated verbatim that “Arriaga is kidding the federations, entities, political groups and the fans because they have not complied with what was approved.”

It was approved to create a commission to monitor the works and, so far, we are in the process of bidding for major works. There’s no point in creating a commission to track track works if they haven’t already started. Once they do this, that commission is held.

There is a lot of talk of building a new stadium for CD Tenerife, now that this Motor Circuit is starting to see the light, should the island bet more on sporting events?

Yes, definitely. We are betting on high levels of competition in all sports. We bet on super cups, Copa de la Reina, international events … why not in the motor world? The weakest aspect of Cabildo’s Sports area is that it invests a lot of money in all kinds of sports infrastructure, except the motor world. We are talking about the construction of a stadium costing approximately 70 or 80 million euros, of which there is now a stadium to respond to current needs. However, there is no motor track for all fans to perform their activity in complete safety.

Asking us about the presentation we will be doing this July 19, are Antonio Lobato, Carlos Checa and Carlos Sainz, among others, what message did they convey about the Tenerife Motor Circuit?

We transferred the project to them and they liked it. Not just because of the project itself, but because we take it seriously at all stages of implementation. As much as saying we won’t follow or we sell smoke, it’s quite the opposite. We presented it to the Spanish Automobile Federation and they liked, not only the Circuit, but also the future approach. It is a serious project, well planned and brings vitality for the enclave. It will be another attraction to visit the wonderful island of Tenerife.

What does the agreement that Dorna signed mean?

A very important agreement with the aim to market the circuit and introduce it to the world, but, above all, at the level of advice they will give us for the training of technical and logistical staff. We learn a lot from them.

How do you see this promise in the motor circuit in 10 years? What do you want to achieve for the island?

It will report to us on behalf of the promotion of our island and the satisfaction of all motor enthusiasts throughout the Canary Islands to be able to develop the sport they love to a high level of facility.

Hopefully in 10 years all the works will be fully finished, with the high level of competitions on our island and already seeing Superbike races or, why not, MotoGP.

Finally, what balance do you strike in your management of this legislature to achieve this Motor Circuit?

Without diminishing the achievements of the past 32 years and all those responsible who have gone through the circuit to take their small steps, in this legislature we have given a definite push and, above all, we guarantee funding for this circuit. . We have a lot of betting, seriousness and work to get to know the federations to make the Motor Circuit a reality.