Spanish GP parks Formula One on football's doorstep

MADRID, Sept 11 : Formula One's long-awaited Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid has parked itself in the heart of football country, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid helping bring the paddock and penalty area unusually close together.

The new Madring circuit runs across the street from Real's Valdebebas training ground, putting the race on the doorstep of one of the world's most famous clubs.

Atletico's Metropolitano stadium is less than a 10-minute drive away, with its car park being used by racegoers before shuttle buses take them to the circuit. Organisers are also using part of Real's Valdebebas facilities.

Both clubs have signed up as Local Event Supporters, while Atletico have agreed a five-year partnership with the organisers.

Atletico's colours were already prominent around the paddock on Thursday when their players Jan Oblak and David Hancko met and exchanged jerseys with Red Bull's four-times world champion Max Verstappen before he tested the circuit.

On Friday Red Bull welcomed Atletico players, along with former striker Fernando Torres, now a youth-team coach at the club, into their hospitality area and garage, while the Atletico delegation also visited the fan zone, track and paddock. Atletico have also launched a MADRING x ATLETI RACING clothing collection.

The club will have a large VIP box overlooking Turns 18 and 19, with manager Diego Simeone and more players expected at the circuit on Saturday, before they head to the Basque region to face Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Sunday.

The circuit's showpiece is 'La Monumental', a 550-metre, high-speed, 270-degree banked bend at Turn 12, right across the road from Real's training ground.

With its huge stands, sweeping curve and diagonal banking, it evokes American oval