Valencia retains IRTA 'Best Grand Prix' Trophy

The Gran Premio De La Comunitat Valeciana, held at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on the outskirts of the city of Valencia, has won the coveted IRTA Trophy as 'Best Grand Prix' for 2005. The success is particularly sweet for the event organisers as Valencia regained the Trophy that they won in both 2002 and 2003. Competition for the Trophy is intense and Valencia narrowly edged out Malaysia and the Czech Republic in a very close poll. The same three grands prix topped the poll in 2004 with Valencia finishing second to Brno. The IRTA Trophy is awarded based upon a point scoring system that covers every aspect of the running of a grand prix. Riders' safety, trackside officials' measures and medical facilities are of paramount in motorsport and Valencia excels in all departments. The circuit itself is also unique in many ways. Set in a natural bowl amphitheatre that seats 60,000 race fans each one able to see the entire 4.005 km circuit. Featuring nine left and five right hand corners crammed into the 4.005 km lap, with a start - finish straight measuring just 876mts competitors have precious little time to relax. The shape of the circuit, fanatical race fans and close racing combine to generate an almost gladiatorial atmosphere that inspires the competitors. "I was very happy to learn that Valencia has regained the IRTA Trophy as 'Best Grand Prix' of 2005," said IRTA president Sito Pons. "Not because I am Spanish I wish to add, although that gives me additional pleasure. No, I am happy because it shows the commitment and dedication that the Valencia organisation displayed in their efforts to be the best grand prix. "Competition for the IRTA Trophy is intense and grands prix such as Valencia, Malaysia, the Czech Republic and Mugello have set very high standards and I am happy to say these circuits have inspired others to improve the quality of their performances. For Valencia to win the trophy three times in four seasons is an excellent performance and everybody at IRTA joins me in thanking all those involved with the event for the friendly, cooperative, and above all professional manner in which they operate. "The race is the final event of a very arduous 17-race season and everybody is tired when they arrive at Valencia following a series of fly-away races. But Valencia is a very special grand prix. Superb organisation apart the circuit layout virtually guarantees close racing and the incredible atmosphere generated by the spectators is unique in grand prix racing. Once again I congratulate all concerned with the race," concluded Pons. IRTA Trophy Roll of Honour 1984 Silverstone / GB 1985 Hockenheim / Germany 1986 Nurburgring / Germany 1987 Assen / Netherlands 1988 Suzuka / Japan 1989 Donington Park / GB 1990 Jerez / Spain 1991 Donington Park / GB 1992 Catalunya / Spain 1993 Eastern Creek / Australia 1994 Eastern Creek / Australia 1995 Mugello / Italy 1996 Mugello / Italy 1997 Mugello / Italy 1998 Phillip Island / Australia 1999 Brno / Czech Republic 2000 Mugello / Italy 2001 Catalunya / Spain 2002 Valencia / Spain 2003 Valencia / Spain 2004 Brno / Czech Republic 2005 Valencia / Spain