Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
CATEGORY
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a world-class racetrack born in 1991 for hosting the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Montmeló, a suburb of Barcelona, Spain.
The total length of the Barcelona-Catalunya raceway is 4.675 km (2.905 mi), consisting of a 1 km (0.62 miles) front straight on the southeastern side and 16 turns of varying angles on the northwestern side.
The start/finish line lays in the middle of the main straight. The first turn is called ELF and is a 90-degrees right-hander followed by a left-right sweeping turn combination.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya GP
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya GP is 4.7 km, 16 turns, clockwise.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya's Grand Prix configuration delivers 4.675 kilometers through 16 corners representing Spain's premier motorsport venue.
The GP configuration underwent 2021 modifications adding final-corner chicane chicane (Pedrosa) and tightening Turn 10 to enhance overtaking opportunities, addressing criticism about processional racing on the previous layout.
Direction Clockwise
Uploaded Laps 80
Length 4.68 km
Vertical Gain 57 m
Turns 16
Average Speed 137 kph
Average Lap Time 2:02.9
Power to Weight Average 0.26
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya w/o Chicane
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya w/o Chicane is 4.7 km, 14 turns, clockwise.
Direction Clockwise
Uploaded Laps 25
Length 4.67 km
Vertical Gain 54 m
Turns 14
Average Speed 136 kph
Average Lap Time 2:03.9
Power to Weight Average 0.24
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya configuration without chicane represents the original full-throttle layout before chicane additions interrupted the circuit's high-speed sections, delivering the uninterrupted flow that characterized the facility when it opened in 1991.
The uninterrupted layout creates higher average speeds and different tire degradation patterns, with sustained high-speed corners generating more thermal stress than the chicane-interrupted variant where braking zones allow cooling.
The without-chicane configuration serves primarily testing and track day events rather than modern championship racing.
Address
Mas La Moreneta s/n,
08160 Montmeló,
Barcelona, Espana
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya History
It is considered one of the best permanent circuits in the world and a high-level infrastructure capable of hosting major events given the quality of its services and the versatility of its facilities.
Located in Montmeló, a few kilometres away from Barcelona, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was inaugurated on 10 September 1991. Just weeks later, it hosted the first F1 Grand Prix and the following year the MotoGP Grand Prix was added to its sporting calendar, becoming since then and without interruption the venue of the two most prestigious championships in the world of motor sports.
In its more than 30 years of history, the Circuit has become an international benchmark in the world of motor racing with the staging, in addition to the F1 and MotoGP Grand Prix, of other major national and international championships such as the FIM JuniorGP, the Barcelona Speed Festival or the International GT Open; and endurance races such as the European Le Mans Series and the CER (Spanish Endurance Cup). It also hosts private tests, driving and riding courses, world launches and many other events and experiences.
The 25-hectare infrastructure has modern and efficient spaces and is committed to digitalisation and sustainability. In addition to the 4.657 km track, it has more than 50,000 m2 of surface area for all kinds of events, with more than 15 indoor rooms, hospitality lounges and suites, and 9 large outdoor areas prepared for any kind of event.