Search Our Properties

Advanced Search

Menorca meets Formula 1

Print

Menorca – Formula 1’s most recent destination The island of Menorca should not only be famous for its beautiful beaches, hidden coves, crystal clear waters and laid back living, it also delights those with a love for fast moving motorsports – especially the Formula 1 kind.   What still seems one of Menorca’s best kept secrets, the quiet Balearic Island is home to the Real Aeroclub de Mahon airstrip which has seen champions of the likes of Lewis Hamilton add an element of high speed excitement. 

Without a doubt, the thrill of racing is a counterpoint to the tranquil atmosphere of the island making its idyllic beaches suitable for unwinding after a day of high-speed test-driving

The airstrip is under the care of club president Jose Villalonga and is two kilometres long making it an ideal strip for aerodynamic and speed testing F1 race cars.  Not far away is also the better known Mahon Airport where normal flights to Menorca bring in the island’s tourists.


Late 2007 saw a number of F1 teams utilise the airstrip for testing including Ferrari, Mercedes McLaren and Honda. Ferrari cars of Kimi Raikkonen, the Finnish defending driver’s champion, and Felipe Massa of Brazil were also tested in Menorca.  Another highlight was Lewis Hamilton taking over from 2008 teammate Heikki Kovalainen on 28th January 2008 as McLaren conducted straight line tests.  The British driver was watched by locals as he practiced manual starts and braking with no electronic assistance.The McLaren team also travelled to the Spanish airfield at Menorca for a two-day test in April 2008. The team brought their driver Gary Paffett for aerodynamic tests.

Recently, the airstrip underwent repairs to enhance its safety.  It’s now faster with an ideal surface for ‘straight-line’ testing, for these cars with their amazing horsepower. Choosing Menorca for winter testing is, ithout a doubt, a smart move for Grand Prix teams as the island’s holiday season runs from May to October and then comes alive with fast and furious F1 race cars – quite a contrast!

[ Back ]