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F1 circuit for GP Mexico served as hospital until recently

F1 circuit for GP Mexico served as hospital until recently

30-10-2021 14:55 Last update: 17:14
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GPblog.com

After a one year break Formula 1 returns to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez next week. The organization however has to rebuild the F1-circuit because it was used as a hospital during the pandemic.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Formula 1 had to skip many usual Grands Prix in 2020. The Mexico Grand Prix was one of them, which was particularly bad news for Red Bull Racing. After all, the circuit is arguably the best track for the team.

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez didn't shut down completely during the pandemic. Indeed, it has served as a hospital to assist the overcrowded healthcare in Mexico. According to Rodrigo Sanchez, the marketing director for the Grand Prix, the circuit is almost ready for Formula 1 again.

"Compared to other years, we are on the same preparation schedule," he explained to Motorsport.com.

The preparation however isn't going to be like other years. "The track was given back to us with enough time to prepare for the race. Since the track has been a hospital, it has been undergoing an intensive clean-up process and we are still doing that every day. The pandemic is not over yet , so we have to continue to take care of ourselves according to the sanitary protocols," said Sanchez.

Ideal investment for the Autodromo

According to the director, it helps that the circuit has been well maintained in recent years. It was a hefty investment to have the Autodromo modified by Hermann Tilke seven years ago, but Sanchez believes it was well worth it. "We haven't had to do any repairs in all that time."

The organizer is smooth when all the effort is done, though. After all, he has had little rest since the pandemic began. "Someone asked me 'How did you spend your gap year?' but it wasn't a gap year at all," For example, the planning for all the health protocols alone took over a year. So let's hope that the fans in Mexico can enjoy a spectacular Grand Prix next week.