HISTORY OF THE CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA

The Circuit de Catalunya, also known as the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, is a motor racing circuit located in Montmeló, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The circuit was built in 1991 and has  become one of the most popular venues for both Formula One and MotoGP racing since.

The World Road Motorcycle Championship was first held at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in 1996 before the MotoGP class was created, and there hasn't been a single edition since. A new feature for the future is that the race will alternate with the MotorLand Aragon.

The circuit was designed by the famous architect Hermann Tilke. The Circuit de Catalunya was originally built as a test track for the Spanish car industry, but it quickly became a popular venue for motorsport events. 

The circuit is renowned for its long straights, fast corners and varied elevation changes, making it a challenging track for drivers and an exciting experience for fans. The Circuit de Catalunya has a total length of 4.655 km and consists of 16 corners and two straights, the longest of which is 1.047 km, and can be run in five different configurations.

Unfortunately, the Circuit de Cataluyna-Barcelona is the scene of one of the few recent tragic events that hit the MotoGP championship. In 2016 the local rider, Luis Salom, crashed heavily in practice and succumbed to his injuries.

The circuit also offers a wide range of facilities for fans, including grandstands, VIP suites and a museum dedicated to the history of motorsport in Catalonia.