The fifth event of the Formula One calendar, which is also the start of the European season, takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. The 4.655 kilometre track is located in Montmeló, to the north of Barcelona and is a favourite for test drivers. The circuit’s location leaves it exposed to variable winds, making effective car settings crucial to any team hoping for victory.
The track has few slow corners and the sweeping bends are made all the more difficult by the challenging gradients as the circuit runs up and down the hillside overlooking the massive pit and paddock complex. It is one of the more challenging circuits on the calendar from a technical standpoint and it is certain to provide an exciting Grand Prix for spectators and competitors alike.
BARCELONA – CIRCUIT GRAPHICS
The interactive version of the above circuit graphic is available on the FIA website (click here).
CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2008
• A large section of the gravel at turn 3 has been replaced by asphalt.
• New kerbs with better drainage behind them have been installed on the apex of turns 5, 11 and 15.
• The rear of the gravel trap at turn 9 has been raised by 1.5m to give it a gradual upward incline, the gravel itself has also been renewed.
• The kerb and the artificial grass behind it on the exit of turn 9 have been extended by 10 metres.
• An additional conveyor belt has been fitted after two rows of tyres in the five and six row sections straight on at turns 1, 9 and 10.
CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA – INTERESTING FACTS
• Improvements have been made to the circuit with regards to safety. A total of 440m of conveyor belts along with 1,150m of water collection channels were connected and a total of 360km of kerbs renewed. The total length of the new tyre barriers is 3980m which includes 19,000 tyres.
Circuit data
Length of lap:
Offset:
Total number of race laps:
Total race distance:
Speed limits in the pit lane: |
4.655km
0.126km
66
307.104km
60km/h during practice sessions; 100km/h during race |
Formula One time table and media opportunities organised by the FIA
|
Thursday
Press Conference
Friday
Practice Session 1
Practice Session 2
Press Conference
Saturday
Practice Session 3
Qualifying
Followed by unilateral and press conference
Sunday
Drivers Parade
Race
Followed by unilateral and press conference |
15.00 hrs - 16.00 hrs
10.00 – 11.30 hrs
14.00 – 15.30 hrs
16.00 – 17.00 hrs
11.00 – 12.00 hrs
14.00 – 15.00 hrs
12.30 – 12.45 hrs
14.00 hrs
|
Additional media opportunities
• Autograph signing: All drivers will sign autographs for 15 minutes for the public during the public ticket holder walk in the pit lane in the period from 17.00 – 17.45 hrs on Thursday. A detailed list will be made available in the media centre.
• Qualifying: All drivers eliminated in Q1 or Q2 will be available for media interviews immediately after the end of each session as well as drivers who participated in Q3, and who are not required to take part in the post-qualifying press conference. Where? At the back of the FIA garage, paddock side.
• Race: Any driver retiring before the end of the race will be available for media interviews after his return to the paddock. In addition, all drivers who finish the race outside the top three will be available immediately after the end of the race for media interviews. Where? At each team’s individual garage or alternatively at the back of the FIA garage, paddock side.
• During the race every team will make at least one senior spokesperson available for interviews by officially accredited TV crews. A list will be made available in the media centre.