Copenhagen Targeting 2020 Slot in F1 Calendar

The Formula One Group has initiated talks with former Danish Minister of Science, Technology and Development, Helge Sander and Lars Seier Christensen, ex-owner of Saxo Bank. The agenda for the discussions are regarding plans for a street circuit in the heart of Copenhagen city. Sander, Christensen and select representatives met with Managing Director, Commercial Operations, Sean Bratches as well as F1 CEO Chase Carey in Singapore.

Former F1 racer Jan Magnussen and F1 architect Hermann Tilke are said to have helped design the circuit layout. The promoters have claimed that the Danish government, the Copenhagen city authorities and the royal family have pledged their support. Sander said “We have had some very positive meetings with Formula One Management and my feeling is that they would love to have a grand prix in Copenhagen”.

Christensen believes that the presence of Danish driver Kevin Magnussen would boost the public support for a Danish Grand Prix. Christensen said “We will have no problems selling tickets for a grand prix in Copenhagen. There are currently four Nordic drivers in F1 [Magnussen, Swede Marcus Ericsson, plus Finns Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas]. At the moment, their fans have to go to Belgium or the south of Germany to see them race. For the Nordic countries and also for the north of Germany, Copenhagen will be the ‘local’ F1 circuit. But we’ll need both public and private investors for a project of this magnitude.”