In Croatia, they want to acquire a Formula 1 race.
Formula 1 continues to gain popularity worldwide, and now even countries that are not the largest are vying to host their national stages. For example, Croatia, although its economy has been developing quite dynamically in recent years. However, it was hard to expect that this former Yugoslav republic, located in southern Europe, would queue up for a Grand Prix – nevertheless, this is a fact.
The project called Croatia Ring has not only been developed – it has undergone a comprehensive environmental assessment, and the country's government has included it in the list of strategically important national projects and guarantees the necessary investments. Although the main funding is expected to be provided by private capital.
Moreover, local organizers are ready to start constructing a modern racetrack in the area of the town of Slunj, located just over an hour's drive from Zagreb International Airport, and plan to complete the construction by the end of next year.
To make the 4.2 km ring project as convincing as possible, its development has been entrusted to the architectural bureau of Hermann Tilke, and former world champion Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 champion, has been invited as a consultant.
At the same time, Croatia understands well that there are many more countries wanting to host a Formula 1 race than the World Championship calendar can accommodate – Thailand, South Korea, Argentina are waiting in line, and this list can go on. It seems that the Netherlands, for economic reasons, no longer want to hold their Grand Prix in Zandvoort. But as soon as a window appears in the calendar, it will be filled immediately, there is no doubt about that.
In the case of Croatia, there is also the downside that this country has no particular motorsport traditions, no standout and promising driver who could be considered a local hero and attract the attention of Croatian fans.
Nevertheless, local promoters are confident that they have chosen the right marketing strategy, and this will provide their project with certain advantages that the Formula 1 management will take into account.
Interestingly, although the construction of the racetrack has not even started yet, its location is already marked on Google Maps.
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In Croatia, they want to acquire a Formula 1 race.
Formula 1 continues to gain popularity worldwide, and not the largest countries are vying to host their national stages. For example, Croatia...