At a breakfast hosted by the New Economic Forum, the chief executive officer of Ifema, José Vicente de los Mozos, shared a hint that has sports and business circles buzzing. He floated the idea of a season element some are calling an event on wheels, a concept that could reshape how major races and exhibitions blend in the Spanish capital. Yet he was careful to note there is no firm timetable attached to this idea. The reality, he pointed out, is that while everyone knows the date when a formal agreement might be signed and publicly announced, the exact moment of signing remains elusive. This blend of ambition and restraint has left industry observers with questions rather than conclusions.
De los Mozos spoke with a candidness that underscored Madrid’s growing appetite for high profile international events. He spoke in the context of confidentiality surrounding the negotiations, acknowledging that details of the contract and its timing could not be disclosed. The breakfast conversation illuminated a pattern: de los Mozos knows enough to signal intent, yet the precise milestones are shielded behind a veil of discretion. In other words, Madrid is on the radar, but the calendar remains to be filled in.
As the discussion turned to Formula 1 more broadly, the executive drew a line to the sport’s existing footprint in Spain. He pointed to the country’s only current Formula 1 Grand Prix, which takes place in Barcelona, and suggested that the idea of expanding the calendar to include another race in Madrid could be a possibility—one that would align with a broader strategy to position Madrid as a hub for global motorsports and large-scale events. He added that his focus and efforts are firmly on Madrid, even as he acknowledged the potential benefits a second Grand Prix could bring to the region.
The conversation highlighted a balance between ambition and timing. The possibility of a second race in Madrid would not only signal a major shift for Formula 1 fans but also for sponsors, advertisers, and the city’s own conventions and tourism ecosystem. If such a development moves from concept to contract, it could usher in a new era of coordinated events that leverage Madrid’s infrastructure, hospitality networks, and international connectivity. For now, the emphasis remains on the careful progression of talks, with confidentiality protecting both parties as discussions continue behind closed doors.
Overall, the remarks from de los Mozos reflect a strategic intent rather than a finalized plan. He indicated readiness to collaborate with public and private partners to make Madrid a more prominent stage for high profile motorsport events. The notion of an event on wheels captures a broader trend in the industry where major exhibitions, races, and industry forums are increasingly designed as movable, multi-venue experiences that can travel and evolve with market demands. If the agreement eventually materializes, it would mark a notable evolution in how Madrid engages with international audiences, sponsors, and media coverage, reinforcing the city’s status as a dynamic center for sport and trade shows alike.