Apr.25 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone preceded his arrival at the scene of the Spanish grand prix with a quick stopover 350kms away at Valencia, where the European grand prix will be held for the first time in August.

The F1 chief executive's unscheduled visit was to survey the progress of the Circuito Urbano de Valencia -- a bespoke street layout around the Spanish city's port.

Ecclestone, 77, touched down in a private jet at Valencia's Manises airport early in the morning and transferred to a black Mercedes minivan, the Spanish newspaper El Mundo revealed.

He was reportedly then driven through the 5.5km layout's 25 corners, stopping several times to inspect the course in more detail.