Added to the Formula One calendar in 1991 at the expense of Jerez, Barcelona in a winter testing favourite. It has a wide range of corner types, from high speed sweepers to tight hairpins. Combined with a huge straight, it allows for a range of speeds, and is therefore very good for testing a car on.

As the circuit contains many varying features, the car setup is a compromise between low downforce and a high top speed on the straight, and low downforce and high grip in the slower corners. A good car balance is also essential through the fast corners to set a good lap time.

The track surface was bumpy and had ripples and was abrasive, leading to high tyre wear, however the track was resurfaced prior to 2005, eradicating those problems.

The circuit is well known by the teams due to the amount of testing carried out there. The level of overtaking is low, although it is possible to pass into the first corner. Race strategy is generally a key factor in securing a good result here.

The home race of Fernando Alonso, expect plenty of bright blue and yellow flags in the grandstands.

Please remember to check back after every Grand Prix to read our in-depth race reports!

Our Partners