One of Formula One’s longer standing circuits is set to be dumped from the calendar when its contract runs out in 2026. Barcelona has held the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991 when the Circuit de Catalunya was opened as part of the infrastructure work completed for the city to host the 1992 Olympics.

The 1992 event was titled, “The Grand Prix of the Olympics” and the circuit has hosted an early season Formula One race in April or May ever since. Barcelona has also been used extensively over the years for pre-season testing. The track layout is considered by the F1 teams Ann excellent all round test of the aerodynamics of a Formula One car.

 

 

 

Circuit de Catalunya was warned by F1

Yet a lack of investment over the years has seen Spains premier motorsports venue lose its glamour and the 2022 Spanish Grand prix was widely criticised for its poor logistics and lack of facilities for the fans who suffered baking heat.

The FIA warned the race promoters that they should ‘up their game’ and after several years in decline the surprise 300,000 fans who attended saw the facilities struggle to handle the masses, with reports of severe traffic congestion around the circuit, huge queues at concession stands and public transport services that were being overwhelmed.

New owners of the commercial rights to F1 have been driving up revenues since their takeover in 2017 and traditional race promoters are under pressure to significantly up the hosting fees paid. City centre venues are favoured given the excitement of seeing the Formula One cars racing on street circuits and the hopeful promoters are prepared to pay the increased fees demanded by F1.

Despite the chaos caused by F1 coming to a city, Las Vegas endured months of infrastructure interruption to the usual rhythm of the city’s day to day functioning, yet the result was a spectacular night race which saw the cars hurtle down the famous Las Vegas Strip.

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Madrid Location superior to Barcelona

In announcing the new Madrid race, F1 stated today: “Formula One has today announced that the Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Madrid from 2026 to 2035 inclusive following an agreement with IFEMA MADRID to bring a brand-new circuit to the Spanish capital, which will incorporate both street and non-street sections.”

“The new 5.47km circuit, subject to FIA homologation and final design specification, will feature 20 corners, with a projected qualifying lap of one minute 32 seconds.”

With the maximum F1 races set at 24 this will see the final race in Barcelona take place in 2026 as the inaugural event begins in Madrid the same season. Clearly the name of the Barcelona event will no longer be the Spanish Grand Prix and is likely to take the name of the region of Catalan famous for its fierce independence from Spain movement.

Unlike the current location which is around 30 miles away from Barcelona City Centre, the proposed venue will be more accessible for fans as it will be constructed in the IFEMA exhibition locale and will compromise of a purpose built paddock building, race tower, all round commercial space and VIP and hospitality areas.

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F1 racing became processional in Barcelona

Local accommodation in the suburb of Montmelo was always in short supply, but the Madrid location plans to provide plenty of local accommodation. For those staying further afield the transit to the race track should be simple with promoters stating it is “five minutes from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, the Spanish Grand Prix will become one of the most accessible races on the F1 calendar.”

“With the circuit just a short commute away by Metro, train and city lines, it is estimated that 90 per cent of fans will be able to travel to the Paddock via public transport, while fans staying in local accommodation will be a short walk away.”

Of course there is the long shot that F1 will retain both races within one being titled, The Catalan Grand Prix, yet this would be to the displeasure of the Spanish authorities in Madrid who are keen to squash any symbol of separatism the prosperous region may wish to make.

Further, the characteristics of Montmelo circuit outside Barcelona is so well known to the F1 teams, that cars are simple to setup and the races have become processional over the years. Last year the chicane was removed before the final turn to improve overtaking, but this had little effect during the Grand Prix itself.

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Madrid/Barcelona rivalry ‘not over’

That said, street circuits are infamous for their few passing opportunities unless the tyre wear is extreme and the drivers find themselves on different race strategies.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali suggested there was hope for the Barcelona promoters who have served the sport well for decades. “For the avoidance of doubt and to clarify here, the fact we are in Madrid is not excluding the fact we could stay in Barcelona for the future,” said the F1 supremo F1.com.

“Looking ahead, there are discussions in place to see if we can really extend our collaboration with Barcelona, with whom we have a very good relationship, for the future,” added Domenicali.

In reality it is probably the end for the circuit de Catalunya/Barcelona and it is probable any return to the city would require a new venue, with better facilities and transport systems. Yet given the competition between the authorities of Spain’s ‘second capital’ and Madrid, spending hundreds of millions to one day regain the Spanish Grand Prix will be of little concern.

 

 

 

Previous Madrid F1 Grand Prix

In the 1960s, Spain made a bid to return to the world of international motor racing —the Royal Automobile Club of Spain commissioned a new permanent racing circuit just north of Madrid at Jeramy , meanwhile the Spanish government refurbished the Montjuic street circuit in Barcelona. Yet only a non-championship event took place it the Madrid circuit in 1967.

The following year Jarama hosted the Spanish Grand Prix and then went on to alternate with Montjuic until a horrific crash in 1975 saw the Barcelona circuit dropped and Jeramy became the permanent host of the race. The race was dropped in 1982 due to concerns the promoters seemed more interested in the golf course near the circuit, and because of the narrow track, unpleasantly hot late June conditions, and small crowd at that year’s race.

No details have been provided as to when the new Madrid event while take place, but given the searing summer heat it will be an autumn race in 2026 and then take the May slot of Barcelona going forward.

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