Inaugurated two weeks before its first Formula 1 Grand Prix in September 1991, the Catalunya circuit near Barcelona has proved to be one of the best-designed circuits of the recent era. It is well-liked by most drivers and so has retained the privilege of hosting the Spanish Grand Prix ever since.
The track is a modern circuit with 8 right-hand and 5 left-hand corners. It includes 3 magnificent sweeping, fast curves, and 2 long, power-sapping straights. There are also two heavy braking areas where F1 cars go from 6th down to 3rd gear.
Catalunya is now favoured by most Formula 1 teams for winter testing, which has received some criticism that teams are over-familiar with the circuit. But this fantastic circuit, renowned for its varying winds that cut across the track, never fails to disappoint. Sell-out crowds and being on the doorstep of one of Europe’s great cultural cities helps to make it a favourite on the Formula One calendar.
2018 marks the 28th time Barcelona has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher has been the most successful driver at the circuit, with a total of six victories. Among the current drivers, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have all won there.
CIRCUIT DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA
FIRST GRAND PRIX – 1991
NUMBER OF LAPS – 66
CIRCUIT LENGTH – 4.655 KM
RACE DISTANCE – 307.104 KM
LAP RECORD – 1:21.670 BY KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN (2008)
Timetable:
All times are local (Spain is GMT +2)
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Thursday 10 May
15:00: FIA press conference
Friday 11 May
11:00 – 12:30: First free practice
13:00 – 13:30: FIA press conference
15:00 – 16:30: Second free practice
Saturday 12 May
12:00 – 13:00: Third free practice
15:00 – 16:00: Qualifying
16:00: FIA post qualifying press conference
Sunday 13 May
14:10 – 14:25: Starting grid presentation
14:56: National anthem
15:10 – 17:10: Spanish GP
17:10: FIA post race press conference
Spanish GP Info
No of Laps: 66
Race Distance: 307.104 km
Lap Record: 1:21.670 – K Raikkonen (2008)
2017 Winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
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