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If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you won’t want to miss out on visiting the famous Circuit de Catalunya racing track in Montmeló just north of Barcelona, Spain. The track is well known worldwide for its exciting combinations of long straights and difficult corners. Its construction overlapped with the Olympic Games which were scheduled for Barcelona in 1991. The very same year the track was built it began hosting the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix. Tourists often confuse the Circuit de Catalunya with the Montjuïc Circuit, an older Spanish Grand Prix track located within the city of Barcelona itself, but that track hasn’t hosted the Grand Prix in many decades.

The Circuit de Catalunya not only playas host to the Spanish Grand Prix, but also is commonly used for F1 off seasontesting and for other significant events such as the Moto GP. What are some of the most unforgettable moments in the circuit’s proud history? Well, the very first year the circuit opened there was an exciting contest between Senna and Nigel Mansell. The two men raced head to head for 2nd place, with Mansell ultimately going on to win the entire race. In 1994, that legendary racer Michael Schumacher attained a brilliant and astonishing victory after completing over half of the Grand Prix in 5th gear. In 2006, Fernando Alonso made Spanish F1 history by becoming the very first Spanish driver to triumph on his country’s home circuit.

If you know you’re going to be in the region, you can check the Circuit de Catalunya’s offical website to see a current calendar of events and also order tickets for Formula 1 or the other races which are hosted at the track. No races scheduled during your visit? Not to worry, there’s still plenty of fun to be had at the Circuit. There’s a lot more you can do than simply watch the races – the Circuit offers visitors many opportunities to explore the track, learn about racing, and even drive a car around the famous track itself.

The Circuit offers guided tours which take you around the grounds to see all the behind-the-scenes workings of an important race, including the briefing room, the prepodium, podium, the press room, race control, lounge, the boxes, and the paddock. If you love racing, you’ll have a great time seeing how everything works. Tickets are necessary (and are available at a fairly inexpensive price), so you may want to book online in advance. There is also an open access area where you can walk along the Avenue of Champions or visit the main grandstand. The Circuit de Catalunya’s official merchandise store also has plenty of fun souvenirs for you to remember your visit by or take home to friends and family members.

You can also book a driver’s pass on ‘experience’ weekends, and try out your capabilities on the track yourself, driving top notch car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. These ‘driving experience’ tickets are for sale to both individuals and groups – but you’ll have to make sure you reserve ahead of time to avoid disappointment! Again, you can find a list of coming activities on the circuit’s web page. There’s no doubt about it, for aficionados of super cars and Formula One, there’s no better way to experience the thrills of a true Grand Prix venue!

What is there to see and do in the area? Montmeló itself is a relatively small town with under 9,000 residents. It is home to a a historical church and has a couple of hotels where you can stay the night if you don’t want to go back to Barcelona just yet. This can be a great option if you aim to spend several days exploring the track and watching races. The town’s life does revolve largely around the racetrack – indeed; the name “Montmeló” is synonymous with that of the Spanish Grand Prix for many Catalans.

With countless fun and interesting things to do in Barcelona, it can at times be tricky trying to plan a brief visit. For a motor racing fan though, very few destinations will be as exhilarating or provide as many memorable moments as the Circuit de Catalonia. You can get to the Circuit from Barcelona by train or bus, or if you’re hiring a car, you can get there in around 30 minutes.

For more information about upcoming events at the circuit check out the official website here. You can also find an excellent guide to the city of Barcelona and surrrounding areas here.