Grand Prix has become a summer television staple, delivering a familiar spirit of the old days while reflecting the present through new players and stories. The show continues to celebrate the people of Spain as they face challenges, balancing tradition with contemporary twists. Volunteers bring fresh energy and fans follow signatures from Wilbur, Cristinini, and Michelle Calvo, all while the show adapts to current regulations. The Animal Welfare Act has reshaped production, banning live animals on screen, prompting a clever workaround: a performer dressed as the animal takes the stage with deep knowledge of this niche. This approach has been practiced for seven years, with Ramiro Dolphin serving as the team mascot in Estudiantes basketball circles.
Both characters hide in elaborate disguises as Miguel Del Pozo, a 41-year-old Madrid sports enthusiast, steps into the spotlight. Del Pozo loves athletics, a world he explored as a young athlete and later pursued academically in Physical Activity and Sports Science. He joined Grand Prix because he was already involved in the TVE-1 competition and continues to work as a factory clerk to keep schedules and stability steady. A former canoe trainer for the Estudiantes, he jokes about the limited pet supplies and keeps the mood light as he recounts the journey.
As a longtime fan of the show, Del Pozo embraced the offer without hesitation. He recalls his childhood admiration for the program and his wish to visit Madrid, even joking about his hometown ties. A pivotal moment for him was witnessing a young boy discovering a passion for sport after the Barcelona Olympic Games when he was inspired by a beloved pet puppy, coby. Decades later, that same energy fuels his role as the summer’s most recognized figure on Spanish television.
“I don’t even feel like I’m working”
His chief concern centers on whether the previous animal character might intimidate competitors from smaller towns. Del Pozo admits his physique weighs around 62 kilos and reflects on how to best position himself during the show. The reassurance came when producers clarified that the role would be adapted to the current format. He admits, with a touch of humor, that he has never felt more suitable for the job. The feeling of labor blooming into play is genuine for him.
The Estudiantes mascot is used to long hours in costume, a reality that builds endurance. Training and repetition help him acclimate, even as the initial moments feel like stepping into a sauna. The advantage of Grand Prix over a traditional basketball broadcast is the simplicity of costume changes and rapid off-camera moments, which keeps the pacing lively at venues like the WiZink Center, home of Madrid’s basketball team.
‘Grand Prix’ tests
The events run about two to two and a half hours, with breaks that allow him to shed the costume and drink water between rounds. He has always acted of his own accord on the court, and the choreography for television is tightly scheduled, with scripts and timelines guiding every move. The on-screen demands are precise: adhere to timing, follow predefined scenarios, and avoid overstepping certain boundaries to maintain the show’s rhythm.
The heifer character appears only in certain tests when mayors request strategic blocks against rivals. In some rounds, the presence proves more impactful than others, enabling a playful misdirection or a bold, forceful approach depending on the moment. As the programs progress, teams learn to deploy wild cards more effectively, balancing risk and reward in entertaining ways.
The show hints at upcoming moments where the heifer may appear, such as Baby basketball and Alice in the Land of Caidillas. In other sequences, it may be penalized or restricted, reinforcing the idea that outcomes hinge on pace and precision. The clashes remain vivid even when not every moment is visible on screen, underscoring the complexity of live entertainment.
Ball debate
During the first of these rounds, the focus shifts to a ball-related incident involving an opponent from last week. The exchange becomes a talking point, but it does not derail the overall spirit of the competition. What stands out is the reminder that the show thrives on controversy without losing its sense of fun and fair play.
Explaining the friction with some colleagues on the show, the participant emphasizes that the program is meant for a broad audience. It is not about loving every moment, much like going to a buffet and not loving every dish. There are different experiences, and the show invites viewers to explore them all.
Fans note that Wilbur remains a favorite among children, while Cristinini resonates with a teen audience. The presence of such personalities on networks with high engagement demonstrates that popularity can grow beyond conventional metrics. Some talents even adjust their asking fees to participate in Grand Prix, choosing the show for its authentic community appeal. The participant concludes with a candid line about the show’s core charm: people come because they genuinely like the performers, not merely for the spotlight they bring.