Formula One Spanish Grand Prix

Gone are the days when Barcelona used to be just another Roman colony on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. After the onset of Industrial Revolution this city grew to immense heights and Barcelona is now reckoned as the second largest city in Spain. The success of this city lies in its perfect balance between the old quarters (where medieval buildings and even remains of the Roman structures can still be seen) and the bustling modern structures. A popular destination for the Formula One lovers, Barcelona plays host to Formula One Spanish Grand Prix.

Formula One Spanish Grand Prix first started in Spain in 1913. Though the Grand Prix was not what people are now used to seeing, the race nonetheless covered a 300 kilometer road circuit at Guadarrama near Madrid. Soon after the first race, the racing track fell into financial difficulties and the venue of the race was shifted to the Circuito Lasarte track on the northern coast. As a consequence to the Spanish civil war in the 1930s, racing in Spain completely stopped and resumed in 1946 but at the Pedralbes Circuit in Barcelona. However it was not till the 1960s that Grand Prix again started in Spain. With the opening of the Circuit de Catalunya in 1991; the Grand Prix started being hosted in Barcelona and has remained since.

With circuit length totaling 4.63 kilometers, The Formula One Spanish Grand Prix takes the drivers on a massive 66 laps covering an area approximately equaling to 305.26 kilometers. This event is a prestigious event and world renowned drivers from all over the globe come to participate in this racing extravaganza. Registering 6 victories, Michael Schumacher of Ferrari tops the list for maximum number of wins in this circuit. However in 2006, the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona was won by Fernando Alonso of the Renault team.