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In 2026 it was Spanish broadcaster TVE again keeping Knockout-style games
shows going, long after they had run out of steam in other countries, with
Grand Prix returning for a fourth series since it returned in 2023.
Grand Prix had originally run on TVE from 1995, when it debuted as
Cuando Calienta el Sol, assuming the regular title Grand Prix del
Verano from the following year. Presented by Ramón García, the series
aired on Spanish television each summer until 2005. It returned for three further summers on FORTA TV in
2007, 2008 and 2009, with Bertín Osborne taking over as host and commentator.
After a 14 year absence, it relaunched to great success back at its original
home on TVE La 1 on Monday 24th July 2023. In a nod to its past,
original host Ramón García returned to present the revived series. Strong
ratings led to 2024 Summer and Christmas runs.
For 2026,
series talisman Ramón García returned to present his 15th
season of Grand Prix at 64 years of age. Alongside him this year were
Lala Chus and for the first time a male co-host, Gorka Rodríguez, a TV
personality who had appeared in
Grand Prix 2025 as team patron of the
Cubas de la Sagra team.
Grand Prix teams played in blue or yellow. The decision regarding team
colours was determined each week based upon the distance between the
respective towns and the sea. Each week, the town nearer to the sea would play
in blue.
by Alan Hayes
with thanks to David Laich Ruiz |
