Catalunya circuit Spain

The Catalunya MotoGP is the most stylish stop on the race calendar. The fabulous Montmeló circuit, situated in the hills outside Barcelona, is the most modern track in Europe. Its spectator facilities are superb. Its grandstands offer terrific views and giant TV screens to keep spectators up to date with all the race action. The catering facilities offer great food at reasonable prices and the toilets are numerous and clean.

The Catalunya circuit is 4.727kms or 2.937 miles long and made up of slow sections, with a series of corners taken at less than 53 mph, and fast sections with corners taken at more than 87 mph. One of the peculiarities of the Catalunya circuit is the number of bumps and ripples on the track surface that have been appearing over the 13 years of its existence. Although the track was resurfaced recently, the bumps and ripples remain in some corners.

The 2006 race saw Valentino Rossi's take his second win in a row. He moved up to third place in the championship standings led by Nicky Hayden. The race was restarted after a major crash on the opening lap. Melandri, Gibernau and Capirossi were injured. Pedrosa and Stoner crashed out after the race re-start. Kenny Roberts Jr. achieved his best result in many years by finishing on the podium.

The nearest major airport is in Barcelona. The track is 12 miles north of Barcelona on the A7. By train from Barcelona take the number 2 line from Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or Clot towards Maçanet-Massanes to Montmeló railway station. Trains leave every 30 minutes and the journey takes 40 minutes. From Girona take the number 2 line towards Barcelona and get off at Montmeló. From Montmeló railway station to the Circuit it is a 30-minute walk.

During the F-1 Spanish Grand Prix and the Catalan Motorcycling Grand Prix, a transfer is available from the Montmeló train station to the Circuit de Catalunya.