2018 Spanish Grand Prix: preview and timetable

2018 Spanish Grand Prix: preview and timetable. Michael Schumacher has been the most successful driver at the circuit.

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)