Drivers praise 'classic' Madring following initial test.

      "I adore everything about it."

      Formula 1's new circuit in Madrid, known as Madring, has successfully conducted its first complete on-track rehearsal, with Formula 3 drivers commending the track's character, even as 19 red flags over two days emphasized its unforgiving nature.

      The test not only provided F3 cars with their initial laps on the 5.4-kilometre layout but also allowed marshals, medical teams, recovery crews, and FIA protocols to be tested ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix next month. AS reported that FIA race director Rui Marques made the trip directly from Zandvoort to supervise the event, which involved 120 marshals, 60 medical personnel, nine ambulances, 23 firefighters, eight fire engines, and 30 rescue vehicles.

      Monday saw nine red flags, followed by another ten on Tuesday, with most incidents linked to contact with the concrete barriers rather than significant safety issues. The standout area is the 550-metre banked 'La Monumental' corner, where AS reported that F3 cars were already scraping the asphalt due to compression.

      This could become an important consideration for F1 setups, as teams will likely need to carefully manage ride height to prevent excessive floor wear and potential disqualification risks. Freddie Slater, who recorded the fastest time on the first day, remarked on the track: "I adore everything about it. I think it’s incredible. It’s one of the best circuits I’ve ever driven on. The best tracks, like Macau or Monaco, possess character." He also mentioned that "it’s possibly one of the most enjoyable circuits for a single lap."

      Marca noted that the circuit seems to reward precision and offers little room for error, while ongoing construction dust and strong winds maintained low grip levels. Ugo Ugochukwu clocked the fastest time in F3 on Tuesday with a 1:49.034, whereas reports indicate that F1 cars might be around the 1:34 mark once they arrive.

      Despite the disruptions, Mundo Deportivo reported no safety procedure concerns from the FIA regarding the circuit’s operational response. With the initial testing now wrapped up, the remaining work at Madring primarily focuses on the paddock areas, garages, grandstands, and fan zones rather than the track itself.