Real Madrid training interrupted by new Spanish Grand Prix testing

Real Madrid's preparations were briefly put on hold as the sound of Formula 1 engines echoed across their Valdebebas training ground. Testing at the new Spanish Grand Prix circuit in Madrid interrupted the session, with footage showing players and staff stopping to take in the noise.

Why it matters:

The new Madrid circuit is located close to Real Madrid's training complex, meaning the club will have to get used to the sound of F1 machinery as the Spanish Grand Prix approaches. The race is scheduled for 13 September, just days after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and this week's testing is the first real taste of what the city can expect.

The details:

• F1 teams are currently conducting testing at the new circuit, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time in 2026.
• The noise from the cars interrupted Real Madrid's session, with players visibly distracted by the unfamiliar sound.
• The circuit is built around the IFEMA exhibition centre, bringing racing closer to the city than ever before.
• Real Madrid's Valdebebas training ground sits within earshot of the track, making the interruption unavoidable.

The big picture:

Madrid's arrival on the F1 calendar marks a major shift for the Spanish Grand Prix, which had been held at Barcelona-Catalunya since 1991. The new venue is designed to be more accessible and is expected to draw huge crowds, but it also brings unique challenges for local residents and clubs like Real Madrid.

What's next:

Testing is expected to continue over the coming days as teams fine-tune their setups ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. For Real Madrid, the noise may be a temporary distraction, but it is also a sign of the city's new status as a Formula 1 destination.