The first motor sport action is set to take place this weekend at Valencia's new formula one street circuit.

Ahead of the grand prix action there late next month, the Spanish port city is hosting local formula three and international GT races, in what the newspaper Diario AS describes as a "dress rehearsal" for F1.

The newspaper said that, with hours to go before the official programme was set to kick off, the circuit - including some perimeter fencing, tyre barriers and kerb painting - was "far from completed".

An estimated 20,000 spectators, possibly including F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, will attend the weekend's events.

GP2 star Bruno Senna, meanwhile, is also tipped to take part, perhaps in a GT race, as are several of his rivals.

Source: GMM