Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix (25 May 2025)
Information about the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and travelling to Montmeló
Traditionally, the Formula 1 season in Europe begins with the Spanish Grand Prix. The race on the 4.655-kilometer Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya near Barcelona is THE motorsport event in Spain.
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Formula 1 in Barcelona / Montmelló
Traditionally, the Formula 1 season in Europe begins in Barcelona / Montmelló.
Since 1991, Formula 1 races have been held on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, near the town of Montmeló, about 20 kilometers from Barcelona. The track is 4.655 kilometers long and has 16 corners, which are raced through 66 times. In addition to hosting Formula 1 races, the Circuit is a popular testing venue for Formula 1 and motorcycle teams.
The track is known for its long sweeping curves, which are taken at high speeds and put significant strain on the tires; cars with better aerodynamics have an advantage here.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a technically demanding but fast race track, requiring slow, medium, and high cornering speeds.
Michael Schumacher won his first Formula 1 race for Ferrari here in 1996. With a total of six victories, Michael Schumacher also holds the record for most wins on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Between 1969 and 1975, Formula 1 races were held on the street circuit on Barcelona's Montjuïc hill. In addition to Formula 1, the MotoGP is also one of the major races hosted in Montmeló.
Grandstands at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
In addition to 13 partially covered grandstands with numbered seats, there are several grassy areas where you can freely stay and bring your own umbrellas, blankets, and picnic baskets.
Here we describe the individual grandstands. You can download a map of the layout here (PDF, approx. 8 MB). Depending on the event, not all grandstands may be available.
- The Circuit de Catalunya grandstand is located directly opposite the pit lane
- Numbered seats
- Covered
- Tickets for the lower section and upper section where visibility is better
- Offers fantastic views of the start and finish straight and the pit lane.
- First grandstand after the main grandstand
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- In the middle of the start/finish straight
- Opposite the grandstand there is a large screen
- Very good view of the entire start and finish straight and the last corner before the finish.
- Second grandstand after the main grandstand
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- In the middle of the start/finish straight
- Opposite the grandstand there is a large screen
- Very good view of the entire start and finish straight and the last corner before the finish.
- On the outside of the first corner after the start
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- Good view of the end of the start and finish straight and the first two corners
- Opposite the grandstand there is a large screen
- Note: Grandstand E is reserved for holders of one-day tickets, i.e. you cannot enter on Friday and Saturday with the other tickets.
- After turn 2 on the outside at the beginning of turn 3
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- Fantastic view of the end of the start and finish straight and the first three corners
- Located on the outside of Turn 5
- Numbered seats
- Uncovered
- From here you can see the last part of the main straight, the braking area at the end of the straight, the entrance to Turn 3 and the braking area before Turn 5 and Turn 5.
- Located outside of turn 9
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- Here you can see how the cars drive along the short straight coming from turn 8, drive through the right-hand turn 9 and accelerate further into the long straight to turn 10.
- Located outside turn 12, in front of grandstand G
- Numbered seats
- Uncovered
- Excellent view of turns 11 to 15 of the race stadium
- Sections 1 - 17 extend from turn 12 to after the turn and almost to the middle of the short straight
- Sections 18 - 24 extend from the middle of the short straight to turn 13
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- Good view of the right-hand bend 12 in front of grandstand B, the short straight in front of the grandstand and the 90° right-hand bend 13 at the end of the grandstand and the further short straight to the next 90° left-hand bend 14
- Outside turn 15
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- Very good view of turn 12, the short straight, turn 13 and the short straight up to turns 14 and 15
- Note: Grandstand C is reserved for holders of one-day tickets, i.e. you cannot enter it with the other tickets on Friday and Saturday.
- On the short straight after the 90° turn 13 and turn 15
- Numbered seats
- Not covered
- Good view of both corners, the short straight in between and the straight to the last turn 16 before the cars enter the start and finish straight
- On the outside of the last corner 16 before entering the start and finish straight
- Numbered seats
- Covered
- Good view of both corners, the short straight in between and the straight to the last corner 16 before the cars enter the start and finish straight
- Access to six different areas, all offering direct views of the track and several large screens
- No fixed seating
- Not covered
- Spots with excellent views of the track
- You can bring your picnic gear (no alcoholic beverages, no bottles larger than 1.25 liters, no glass bottles)
Which grandstand offers the best view?
In general, you have a good view of the action on the track from almost all grandstands. However, you can't see the entire track from one grandstand. From all grandstands and standing areas, you have a view of large screens where you can follow the race action outside your immediate sight.
Otherwise, the choice of the right grandstand depends on various factors: price is one, as the main grandstand for a Formula 1 race is the most expensive category. For MotoGP, however, the corners may be more interesting than during a Formula 1 race.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and want to have a picnic, a standing area is a good choice. You can also sit on the grass with a blanket.
Also, consider sun protection. If you're sensitive to the sun, a covered grandstand might be the better option.
Note on restricted views: There are areas within the grandstands where visibility is restricted due to structural reasons. You can find an overview here.
Visit to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The track can be visited several times a week from September 21 to December 8, 2025. The tours last about 1.5 hours and include the most important locations of a Formula 1 race: race control, briefing room, podium, winners' tribune, media center, VIP zone / main grandstand, pits, and paddock.
Tour Prices and Times
- Adults: €16.20 (Online price)
- Times: 10:00 and 12:00
- Limited spaces, reservation on the Circuit website recommended
Entrance is through the main gate at the West Entrance. The meeting point for the tours is the control tower. You should arrive 15 minutes early.
Travel to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The Circuit de Catalunya near Montmeló, about 20 kilometers northeast of Barcelona, is easily accessible by public transport and car.
- Travel to Montmeló by Train
Trains are the most efficient means of transport on race days at the Circuit de Catalunya. Several special trains run to and from Montmeló. Montmeló is in fare zone 2 of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Plan for about a 30-minute walk from Montmeló station to the race track and then further to your grandstand. The route is well signposted, or you can simply follow the other visitors to the track. However, you should know which entrance you need to go to. - Travel by Train from Barcelona
Take the RENFE R2 train from the stations "Sants Estació", "Passeig de Gràcia", or "El Clot" towards Maçanet Massanes. The journey to Montmeló takes about 23 minutes. From there, it is about a 30-minute walk to the race track. - Travel by Train from Girona
Take the RENFE R2 train towards Maçanet Massanes/Barcelona. The journey from Girona to Montmeló takes about 60 minutes.
The organizer has summarized the travel options and bus and train schedules very well.
Parking at Circuit de Catalunya
The Circuit de Catalunya offers 32,000 parking spaces near the race track. Since the track is very large, you should know which parking lot to head to beforehand.
On the grandstand plan, you can find the nearest parking spaces to your grandstand.
Here you can download a map of the respective parking lots (PDF files):
The parking lots open at 7:00 AM and at 6:30 AM on Sunday. They are closed at night, and exit is not possible. Please note that the parking lots are not guarded.
Parking zones for motorhomes vary depending on the event. These can be found on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya website.
Tips for your stay at the Circuit
Please note that the area is very large, and if you have uncovered seating, you will be exposed to the sun. Sun protection is essential.
Things you should bring:
- Hat/Cap
- Earplugs
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes
- And of course, your tickets!
Arrive early on event days: there are other races of different formulas besides the Formula 1 events in the morning.
Take your time after the last event before leaving. You can have a relaxing meal and drink, saving yourself from long traffic jams and crowds.
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