Spanish Formula 1 Gp - 2012

Spanish Formula 1 - Circuit Information And Race Program

The 2012 Spanish Formula One Gp

Until 1991 the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix was hosted by a number of different racing circuits in Spain, including the historic Jarama, Jerez, Montjuich Park and Pedralbes circuits. During 1991 however, the Circuit de Catalunya at Montmelo (just 20 km north of Barcelona) became the permanent home of the Spanish Formula One GP. Originally planned to host its first ever event in 1992, to coincide with the Barcelona Olympic Games, it was actually put into service a year earlier, during 1991.

Like many other European circuits, the Circuit de Catalunya also underwent significant safety changes during 1995, following the Imola tragedies (Senna and Ratzenberger) the previous year. Prior to the arrival of racing circuits like Sepang and Bahrain, the Circuit de Catalunya was the epitome of a modern Formula 1 race circuit. The warm sunny Mediterranean climate of Barcelona makes the racing circuit a favourite with drivers, teams and spectators. So please remember to pack a cap, suntan lotion, sunglasses and an umbrella.

Spanish Formula 1 Circuit Information

General information

The Circuit de Catalunya is well known for its superb amenities, great views from all around the track, as well as it's 14 bigscreen TV monitors, on which you can follow the close-up detail of the race. The Barcelona Formula One circuit boasts 14 grandstands, with 65,000 seats, of which 16,000 are covered. Its exceptionally long main straight, allows for breathtaking speeds and impressive viewing for the fans. The circuit is very popular as a winter testing venue with the teams, because it usually blessed with the best winter weather in Europe. Its layout also provides a good baseline for evaluating several aspects of a car's performance. The Barcelona GP usually provides the best indication of the relative performance of the Formula 1 teams for the rest of the season.

What the drivers say

The Barcelona Circuit de Catalunya features one of the longest straights in Formula 1. Although most racing drivers know the circuit very well from winter testing, wind changes can lead to different handling characteristics on the cars, from the morning to the afternoon sessions, making it really difficult for all the teams. Aerodynamic efficiency is critical on both the long main straight as well as in some of the very challenging high-speed corners. The circuit is probably the most demanding of all in terms of car aerodynamic efficiency. The fast corners also play an important role in tyre choice, as they create massive loading, resulting in high levels of wear, in particular on the front left.

The fast corners and the high grip of the circuit also make Barcelona quite a physical Formula One circuit for the drivers. This means that they really have to endure extremely high G-forces, pushing their endurance limits to the absolute maximum. The last two corners of the circuit are exceptionally fast and it is difficult to overtake here, because it is almost impossible to follow a competitor closely, without losing substantial down-force. The cars therefore try to slipstream down the long start-finish straight and pass under braking into turn one, but it is a very tight turn. A very popular circuit with the racing drivers, but without a doubt a demanding track.

Racing Program And Event Information

Although not yet finalised for 2012, we have included last year's Formula 1 program, to give you an idea of what the event program should look like. We do not expect any other major changes from the previous year's program.
So please take note that the following program and information could change for 2012.