We may have a visit to Hungary beforehand, but already the attention of the Formula One paddock has started to shift towards the European Grand Prix, at Valencia. The event is likely to be forced into a name change in 2009, although Bernie Ecclestone believes it was given the wrong title this year as well.

"It should have been the Gran Premio Mundial (World Grand Prix)," said Ecclestone. "This is not only the best street circuit in the world, it is one of the best circuits in the world."

If you are a little sceptical, and feel that Bernie may be doing little more than playing to his Spanish hosts, then take a look at franxd's video.
As you can see, this is no ordinary street circuit. The scenary is truly spectacular, and will provide an unrivalled backdrop. The circuit is fast too, with top speeds estimated to be in the region of 200 mph.

Monaco is oft-mentioned as being Formula One's signature event, but that may all be about to change. The principality has iconic landmarks, but can they really be described as spectacular? A lap of the Valencian track takes in some magnificent architecture, including the stunning swing bridge.

Valencia doesn't just offer a circuit that's easy on the eye. It's wide and fast, built for modern Formula One cars. Monaco, on the other hand, is not. In actual fact, you'd struggle to find a course more unsuited to current Formula One machinery, unless you were to enter a car in a round of the F1 Powerboat World Championship.

There are few more impressive sights in motorsport than a Formula One driver showing his skills over a single lap around Monaco. That will continue to be the case, and the race will go on providing an opportunity for assorted Hollywood celebrities to lose a few quid in various casinos. But Valencia may be about to provide fans of the sport with something else - a Formula One race on a spectacular street circuit, designed with modern Grand Prix cars in mind.