If you’re a F1 enthusiast, you won’t want to miss stopping by the famed Circuit de Catalunya motor racing track in Montmeló just to the north of Barcelona, Spain. The circuit is renowned around the world for its exhilarating combinations of fast sections and tricky corners. Its opening coincided with the Olympic Games which were hosted in Barcelona in 1991. The exact same year the circuit was completed it hosted the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix. Travelers often mistake the Circuit de Catalunya with the Montjuïc Circuit, an earlier Spanish Grand Prix circuit found within the city of Barcelona itself, but that track hasn’t played host to the Grand Prix in many, many years.
The Circuit de Catalunya not only playas host to the Spanish Grand Prix, but also is commonly used for Formula 1 winter testing and for other significant events such as the Moto GP. What are some of the most remarkable moments in the circuit’s proud history? Well, the very first year the circuit opened there was a thrilling contest between Senna and Nigel Mansell. The two men raced head to head for 2nd place, with Mansell eventually going on to win the entire race. In 1994, that legendary racing driver Michael Schumacher mananged a brilliant and remarkable victory after completing over half of the Grand Prix in 5th gear. In 2006, Fernando Alonso made Spanish Formula 1 history by becoming the very first Spanish racer to triumph on his country’s home circuit.
If you know you’re going to be in the region, you can check the Circuit de Catalunya’s offical website to see a current calendar of events and also order tickets for Formula 1 or the other races which are hosted at the track. No races scheduled during your visit? Not to worry, there’s still plenty of fun to be had at the Circuit. There’s a lot more you can do than simply watch the races – the Circuit offers visitors many opportunities to explore the track, learn about racing, and even drive a car around the famous track itself.
The Circuit provides official, guided tours which show you around the venue get a glimpse at all the hidden goings on of an important event, such as the briefing room, the podium, the press rooms, the boxes, and the paddock. If you’re a racing fan, you’ll have an incredible time hearing and seeing how everything hangs together. Passes must be purchased (and are available at a relatively economical price), so it’s not a bad idea book online beforehand. There’s also an open access zone where you can walk up the Avenue of Champions or pay a visit to the main grandstand. The circuit’s official store also has a variety of nice gifts for you to remember your day out by or bring home to friends and family.
You can also book a driver’s pass on ‘experience’ weekends, and try out your capabilities on the track yourself, driving top notch car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. These ‘driving experience’ tickets are for sale to both individuals and groups – but you’ll have to make sure you reserve ahead of time to avoid disappointment! Again, you can find a list of coming activities on the circuit’s web page. There’s no doubt about it, for aficionados of super cars and Formula One, there’s no better way to experience the thrills of a true Grand Prix venue!
What other entertainments are can be found in the neighborhood? Montmeló itself is a rather modest town with under 9,000 in population. It is home to a a charming church and has a number of hotels where you can stay if you would rather not head back to to Barcelona immediately. This can be a fantastic plan if you intend to spend a few days getting to know the venue and enjoying races. The town’s identity does center mainly around the circuit – in fact; the name “Montmeló” is strongly linked with that of the Spanish Grand Prix for many locals.
With countless fun and interesting things to do in Barcelona, it can at times be tricky trying to plan a brief visit. For a motor racing fan though, very few destinations will be as exhilarating or provide as many memorable moments as the Circuit de Catalonia. You can get to the Circuit from Barcelona by train or bus, or if you’re hiring a car, you can get there in around 30 minutes.
For more information about upcoming events at the circuit check out the official website here. You can also find an excellent guide to the city of Barcelona and surrrounding areas here.