Barcelona - Speed Race F1

Australia

China

Japan

Bahrain

Saudi Arabia

Miami, USA

E. Romagna

Monaco

Spain

Canada

Austria

Great Britain

Belgium

Hungary

Netherlands

Monza, Italy

Azerbaijan

Singapore

Austin, USA

Mexico

Brazil

Las Vegas, USA

Qatar

Abu Dhabi

First Grand Prix

1991

Number of Laps

66

Circuit Length

4.657 km

Race Distance

307.236 km

Lap Record

1:15.743

Circuit of Barcelona - Catalunya

History and Construction

Planning : The idea for a new circuit near Barcelona emerged in the 1980s to replace the aging Montjuïc and Jarama tracks.
Location: Montmeló was selected due to its proximity to Barcelona and accessibility for international events.
Development: Construction began in 1989 with the support of the Generalitat of Catalonia, the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia, and the Montmeló City Council.
Purpose: It was built to host the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix and serve as a venue for the 1992 Olympic road cycling event.
Opening: The circuit was officially opened on September 10, 1991, and its first F1 race was held that same year.

Design and Features

Layout: The Circuit has a 4.657 km track with a combination of long straights and various curves.
Technicality: It includes fast corners like Turn 3 and slow, technical sections like the final chicane, which test the balance of the car and the driver.
Elevation: The track has notable elevation changes that add complexity and challenge for both drivers and engineers.
Facilities: The circuit is equipped with modern paddock areas, grandstands, and safety features meeting FIA standards.
Versatility: Its layout makes it ideal for both racing and pre-season testing, offering a complete range of performance conditions.

Key Facts

Location: The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is located in Montmeló, approximately 20 km northeast of Barcelona, Spain.
Opening Date: It opened on September 10, 1991, and hosted its first Formula 1 Grand Prix that same year.
Circuit Length: The circuit is 4.657 kilometers (2.905 miles) long and has 14 corners.
Notable Features: It combines high-speed straights, gradient changes, and technical corners, making it a popular testing circuit.
Role in F1: It has been a regular circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, traditionally hosting the Spanish Grand Prix.