On the classic track 32km from Barcelona city centre, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosts the 55th Spanish Grand Prix. As we approach the final race of the second triple-header this season, the drivers are preparing for the Spanish Grand Prix.
McLaren will look to extend their lead in the Constructors Championship as Lando Norris attempts to close the gap between him and teammate Oscar Piastri to take the lead of the Driver’s Championship. All eyes will be on Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, whose home crowd will be cheering them on.
Fans attending the race can also soak up vibrant Catalonian culture, including tapas, Gaudí architecture and local beaches. The circuits Montmeló location offers an exciting mix of motorsport and Mediterranean charm.
Race History
The first Spanish Grand Prix on the F1 calendar took place at the Pedrables street circuit (6.316km) in 1951. Since 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has welcomed the Spanish Grand Prix. It has become a familiar venue for many current drivers, who previously tested there during the pre-season.
This calendar staple spans 4.657 kilometres and boasts 14 corners. It blends high and low speeds along with multiple elevation changes. Max Verstappen set the current lap record in 2023, achieving an impressive time of 1 minute 16.330 seconds.
From Pastor Maldonado’s shock win of 2012 to Verstappen’s maiden victory in 2016, the Spanish Grand Prix has delivered some unforgettable moments.
Michael Schumacher set the record for the most pole positions (7) at this circuit. He and Lewis Hamilton share the record for the most wins (6) in Barcelona. In 2006, Fernando Alonso became the first Spanish driver to triumph in their home race.
Strategy
Turn 1 remains the prime overtaking spot for drivers after the long main straight, measuring 1,047 metres in length. However, tricky corners such as turn 10 may catch drivers off guard under braking, adding to the circuit’s technical challenge.,
The first two races of the triple header featured Pirelli’s three softest tyre compounds available. For this week’s race, however, the Italian tyre manufacturer has opted for a different strategy, selecting the C1 tyre as the hardest compound, alongside the C2 as the medium and C3 as the softest option.
This weekend, teams will face a critical decision regarding tyre selection, as the challenging track conditions necessitate the use of the hardest tyres to withstand the intense demands placed on them.
Expect to see more two-stop strategies, and watch for overheating issues in sectors two and three, as track conditions are expected to heat up this weekend. Highs of 29° are predicted to hit Barcelona throughout the weekend.
Schedule
Friday 30th May
Free practice 1: 13:30 – 14:30 (CEST)
Free practice 2: 17:00 – 18:00 (CEST)
Saturday 31st May:
Free practice 3: 12:30 – 13:30 (CEST)
Qualifying: 16:00 – 17:00 (CEST)
Sunday 1st June:
Race: 15:00 (CEST)