Formula 1 arrives in Barcelona, this year the city is preparing to receive the best drivers in the world, bringing with them the adrenaline and passion that only this sport can offer.
With the 2024 grand prix just around the corner, it’s time to get to know the world of motorsport and explore what this exciting season has in store at the iconic Barcelona-Catalonia circuit.
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Brief history of the Circuit of Catalonia
The Circuit de Catalonia, also called Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña, is a motorsport racing track located in Montmeló and Granollers, in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain). It was built in 1991 by the well-known architect Hermann Tilke.
It was initially built as a test track for the Spanish automotive industry, where it quickly became a popular destination for motorsports events. Since then, it has hosted numerous Formula 1 and MotoGP races.
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Circuit characteristics
The Catalunya circuit is famous for its long straights, fast corners and different elevation changes, which becomes a challenge for drivers and an exciting experience for fans.
It has a total length of 4,675 kilometers distributed in 16 curves and 2 straights on asphalt.
Aerial view of the Barcelona-Cataluña Circuit
This circuit offers different facilities for fans, from grandstands, VIP suites and even a museum dedicated to the history of motorsport in Catalonia.
It is also considered one of the most complete. Many drivers use the circuit for testing and the Grand Prix here is considered a reference for Formula 1.
When is the main Grand Prix event in Barcelona?
The Spanish Grand Prix, the tenth race of the 2024 Formula 1 championship, will take place from June 21 to 23 at the Barcelona-Catalonia Circuit.
Spanish Grand Prix 2024. Photo via Pexels
Road Show on Paseo de Gracia
In addition, the city is preparing for an impressive Road Show in an emblematic point of Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia, which will feature the exhibition of the vehicles on the eve of the race at the Circuit.
This event, called F1 Live Barcelona Road Show, will run from Aragón Street to Plaza Cataluña where the F1 Fan Zone will be installed, with a gastronomic area and a stage where different promotional events will be held during the week prior to the race. .
Also, in front of Casa Batlló, a VIP stand and boxes will be installed with the cars that will participate in the event.
Formula 1 teams and drivers, 2024 season
These are the driver and team lineups for this year’s Formula 1, so you will know which driver will be in each team:
- Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton – George Russell
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen – Sergio Pérez
- McLaren F1: Lando Norris – Oscar Piastri
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso – Lance Stroll
- Alpine: Esteban Ocon – Pierre Gasly
- Ferrari: Charles Lecrerc – Carlos Sainz
- Visa CashApp RB: Yuki Tsunoda – Daniel Ricciardo
- Stake F1 Team: Valtteri Bottas – Guanyu Zhou
- Haas: Kevin Magnussen – Nico Hulkenberg
- Williams: Alex Albon – Logan Sargeant
Surprisingly and after many years, in 2024 there will be no debutants in F1, nor will drivers retire or have to leave the category by decision of their teams.
Tips for the weekend race
If you have your tickets, these useful tips will help you fully enjoy the Grand Prix in Spain at the Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña:
First, arrive early. The ideal time for this is to arrive at the circuit around 9 in the morning so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the race.
Due to the massive number of fans who will go to the circuit, there are delays at their entrance and exit, so it is recommended to circulate with caution and calmness.
Check previously the information on access to the circuit and the stands
Please note that the circuit’s mobile network will be saturated and phone and data services may not work. Agree on a meeting point to meet whoever you’re going to.
Check the local weather forecast to be able to bring the appropriate clothing and accessories necessary to make your stay on the circuit as comfortable as possible.
How to get to the Barcelona-Cataluña Circuit by public transport?
The Barcelona-Catalunya circuit has a privileged location just 35 km from Barcelona.
- If you go by car: You can reach the circuit via the C-17 highway (Montmeló exit) and the AP-7 highway, exits 13, 14 or 15. From Barcelona it will take approximately 25 minutes.
- If you go by train from Barcelona: At the Barcelona Sants, Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona El Clot Aragó stations, take the RENFE commuter line R2 towards Granollers Center and get off at the Montmeló station. 30 min journey.
From the Montmeló train station to the entrance of the Circuit there is a distance of approximately 2 km (30 min on foot). There is a service between Montmeló station and the circuit that leaves passengers about a 5 minute walk from the access to the main grandstand.
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Where to watch the 2024 F1 GP online
If you don’t have your ticket for the race, don’t be discouraged. DAZN, a global streaming platform, exclusively acquired the broadcast and production rights in Spain for the Grand Prix so you don’t miss it.
The Spanish Grand Prix is undoubtedly one of the most important sporting events on the Barcelona calendar in 2024, and it is the best opportunity to see the drivers and teams of one of the most impressive sports in the world live.
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