Formula 1 has yet to fall in love with Valencia, and expectations for this weekend's race are not high, but Edd Straw reckons there is reason for optimism

Since it joined the calendar in 2008 on the back of the wave of interest in Formula 1 in Spain that was triggered by Fernando Alonso's title success, the Valencia grand prix has never quite managed to carve itself a niche in the popular consciousness.

Perhaps it's the curse of the European Grand Prix title that has been, at best, transitory in the world championship, but largely it's because the event lacks a unique selling point. In fact, it barely makes the top four harbour-based races in Formula 1 these days!

To continue reading this feature...

You must have an AUTOSPORT subscription. Prices start from just $1.43 per week and give you full unrestriced access to all PLUS features. View package options? Magazine subscriber?

Online subscription

from just

$1.43

per week

• Unrestricted access to all PLUS features
• View website in ad-free environment
• Full F1 stats since 1950 in FORIX

View all package options