In a landmark year for motorsport, Ford is stepping up its commitment to Formula 1. As the local event supporter and official vehicle of MADRING, we're helping to bring F1 back to the Spanish capital.
Ford has already had the privilege of leaving the first tracks on the new circuit. Before the asphalt was even laid, Carlos Sainz Sr. got sideways in the dirt at the wheel of a Ford Raptor T1+. Once the track was paved, his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., put a Mustang Dark Horse 1 through its paces. The final seal of approval came with a stunning lap from the mighty Mustang GTD 2.
Now, let's take a closer look at the secrets of this new temple of speed.
Where Are the Best Overtaking Spots?
The MADRING design promises excitement from the very first metres. A chicane after the start-finish straight will force drivers to find the optimal line, with a clean exit being critical for a high-speed run into Turn 4.
The chicane at Turns 5 and 6 will be another hotspot. Later, the run down to the demanding Turn 13 will require surgical precision on the brakes. Finally, the heavy braking zone for Turn 20, located near the IFEMA buildings, will be a prime spot to make a move. A perfect exit from the final corner, Turn 22, will be essential for a slipstream battle down the main straight.
What Are the Key Corners?
The circuit is defined by its changing personality and technical challenges. After a fast chicane, the track climbs up the ‘Subida de las Cárcavas’, a sweeping left-hander with an 8 per cent gradient.
From there, drivers encounter a succession of completely blind corners to test the nerves. 'El Búnker' is named for the historic Spanish Civil War forts it passes.
What is 'La Monumental'?
If one section is destined to become iconic, it is 'La Monumental'. This is the largest banked corner in the F1 championship, with a gradient of 24 per cent. It will take drivers a full six seconds to complete. There’s a sharp change in elevation, with drivers flying blind into the turn in front of 45,000 spectators.
The Madrid Circuit: By the Numbers
- 5.4 kilometres in total length
- 22 corners make up the track design
- 320 km/h estimated top speed
- 837 metres is the length of the longest straight
- 57 laps will be completed during the Grand Prix
- 1:31-1:32 is the estimated lap time in the race
- 120,000+ fans are expected over the three-day event
Mustang GTD Ordering to Open in Europe
For only the second time since its reveal, European customers will have the chance to register their interest in owning the most advanced and powerful street-legal Mustang ever built, with applications opening September 14. Production is strictly limited with only 500 units expected in Europe and the application window open only until October 16. Customers can find out more and make an application here.
1 Mustang homologated CO2 emissions 273-282 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 12.0-12.4 l/100 km WLTP.
2 Mustang GTD homologated CO2 emissions 349 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 15.3 l/100 km WLTP. The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions and CO2-emissions are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers.
