The Circuit:
The Circuit de Catalunya at Montmelo is Barcelona's fourth Grand Prix circuit following Villafranca, Pedralbes and Monjuich Park. The circuit, owned by the Real Automovil Club de Catalunya was built at great expense in the hope of bringing the Spanish Grand Prix back to its spiritual home, after several races had been staged at Jerez and Jarama.

The circuit won exclusive rights to the Grand Prix in the backlash surrounding Martin Donnelly's near fatal accident at Jerez in 1990. It is a well designed track and takes into account that spectators want to watch overtaking and not processions. As a result the long main straight leads into a corner that requires heavy braking - perfect for overtaking. Since opening the track has undergone several improvements including a reshaping of the Nissan straight. In light of driver safety concerns the 1994 race was also run with several tyre chicanes installed to limit speeds.
The first two races staged here were hit by rain and both were won by Nigel Mansell. In 1993 Prost came out on top for Williams after being pushed hard by team mate Damon Hill who took the flag a year later. In 1995 Schumacher, in his final season with Benetton, dominated the proceedings. Another wet race in 1996 saw another win for Schumacher, but this victory was all the sweeter as it was his first for Ferrari and came after a race run in torrential conditions. In 1997 it was Villeneuve's turn to win, while 1998 saw the McLarens of Hakkinen and Coulthard sweep all before them in the first of three 1-2 for the Woking squad.

A Quick Lap:
From the start-line the cars accelerate downhill at 180mph to Elf. Going into the corner, a sharp right-hander, the track climbs and drivers take the inside line and drop to 80mph in third gear. This allows a gentle drift across the track to the left-hander at the entry of the Renault curve; a sweeping long 180 degree right-hander that is exited at 155mph in 5th gear.

From Renault it's a short squirt to Repsol another 180 degree right. An even shorter straight ends at Seat which is a tight left-handed hairpin that takes the cars downhill at around 60mph. Accelerating through two gentle left-handers and the cars are entering Wurth. Here the track takes a sharp left-turn that drops the speeds to around 80mph. Then its back on the pedal for the 145mph run to Campsa, a blind right-hand bend that is best navigated in fourth gear. A short straight follows before arriving at the 180 degree hairpin, La Caixa, which is taken in 3rd gear at around 65-70mph. Then its a quick climb to the 3rd gear Banc de Sabadell. From there its a short squirt on the pedal to the pair of fast right-handers that propel the cars back across into the pit straight.

The circuit may not offer the challenge of Spa or Suzuka but its mix of abrasive surfaces, low-, medium- and high-speed corners, plus long fast straights means that most races are won by the best all-rounder.

I look forward to hearing from you,
Kevin May
Select Motor Racing.

Tribune B - Just before grandstand G, with a good view of the first turns of the Studium area.

Tribune C - Located beside grandstand G, this grandstand offers different views of the Studium, the area with most of the Circuit´s turns.

Grandstand D Main - In front of the pits, offering view of the wheel changes and refuelling, as well as the starting grid, the finish and the podium ceremony.

Tribune F & E - At the end of the main straight, they have become a F1 classic on the Circuit. This is the point where most overtaking takes place.

Tribune G - This grandstand is one of the first built at the Circuit. It offers a very broad view of the Studium area.

Tribune H - The best view of the Studium. Located at the end of turn Europcar, with an excellent view of the whole Studium.

Tribune I - Located on the last corner, see the view down the main straight.

Tribune K & J - In front of the pits, offering view of the wheel changes and refuelling, as well as the starting grid, the finish and the podium ceremony.

Tribune L - Offers one of the broadest views of the Circuit. Views of the last section of the main straight, and therefore the spectacular braking at the end of the straight, first turn, and breaking before turn 5.

Tribune M - Strategically located to see the spectacular braking of the F1 cars before Turn 5. You may also see a section of the main straight.

Tribune N - Offers a wonderful view of the acceleration on "La Moreneta" section, one of the most technical and highly valued by F1 drivers.