Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is located 20kms north east of the city of Barcelona near Montmelo.

This track has hosted F1 since 1991 although today, the facilities are in need of an upgrade but the weather is normally good and the crowd enthusiastic.

The F1 drivers typically enter the track from the roundabout entry on Cami Mas Moreneta and park near the paddock. If you have Paddock Club tickets you could head to the middle swipe gates and glimpse the drivers walking in. Otherwise, look out for Fanzone appearances which are behind the pit straight grandstand.

There are some excellent general admission viewing areas but if you’re keen for a grandstand seat, I suggest the pit straight as it’s in shade in the afternoon or stands A at turn 2 or T at turn 10 for great views.

The drive from the city to the track takes around 30 minutes or you can catch public transport but note that after the race, you’ll be waiting around for some time while the large crowd vie for the available buses.

Accommodation-wise there are some basic hotels around the track and in nearby Montmelo but for those looking for 4- and 5-star properties along with a cosmopolitan social scene, stay in Barcelona, it’s a wonderful city. The Arts and the W Hotels are near the beach and are top notch although the W can be noisy in busy times and neither are cheap.

The city is full of colour and you should visit Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s greatest work and La Rambla, the main pedestrian shopping street but beware of pickpockets and scammers.