With Spanish interest at an all time high thanks to the success of countryman Fernando Alonso, a second Spanish event has been added to the 2008 Formula One calendar.

Dubbed the European Grand Prix, Valencia signed a seven year deal to host the race around the streets of the America's cup port. The 57-lap European Grand Prix takes place over a 5.440km temporary street circuit and is commonplace in modern day Formula One, was designed by Hermann Tilke.

Felipe Massa won the inaugural European Grand Prix victory in Valencia in controversial style. With the race stewards clamping down on driving standards, it was a surprise that the Ferrari star escaped any penalty for exiting his pit box into the path of Adrian Sutil.

Fortunately for Massa's title challenge, the following investigation resulted in a fine for the relieved Brazilian who dominated the event. Lewis Hamilton finished a close second but was never really able to place much pressure on his rival. Robert Kubica finished third n what sadly was a most processional event, despite hopes that the new street circuit would be good for overtaking.