More plans have been uncovered for an F1 race in Greece. The proposal would see the sport taking to a marina-based street circuit in the touristic destination of Piraeus, found approximately ten miles from capital city Athens. The idea is in no way connected to proposals for a race on a permanent circuit in Patras, as revealed last year.
Word of a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the cash-strapped nation first circulated in May 2011, before Bernie Ecclestone – CEO of the Formula One Group – backed the idea in September. Since then, nothing more has been mentioned of the possibility.
The latest proposal would involve a semi-street circuit with - like in Valencia and New Jersey - some new roads being laid to ensure that a suitable track could be constructed. Sports minister Konstantinos Cavaras has already confirmed that the government is supporting the initiative, but was unable to say where the finances would come from.
“The main priority of this government is to create instruments of development,” minister Costas Tzavaras is quoted as saying by Autoweek. “In this critical time for our country, every effort that promotes Greece and attracts international interest is welcome and deserves our support.
"The prospect of holding Formula 1 races in Drapetsona raises expectations for upgrading our tourism product through the promotion of the historic port of Piraeus.”
The project was launched in June 2011 by a Greek consortium, which includes an Athens-based architect who came up with the circuit, including grandstands which could hold up to 130,000 spectators. A formal proposal is believed to have been submitted to Ecclestone and Jean Todt, President of F1 governing body the FIA, in November.
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