The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is preparing this weekend to host a Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix with a public attendance that will recall the golden age. Tickets were sold out in 10 days in December, as well as practically the extra package of 8,000 seats put on sale in April, so the Circuit’s managers hope that the figure of 121,667 spectators for the event can be equaled, or even exceeded. Race Sunday last year.
The Alonso phenomenon, with the Aston Martin driver from Asturias at his best moment in F1 since he was champion for the last time (2006), third in the World Cup and second in the last race in Monaco, has triggered fan demand.
According to sources at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, there are only around 1,000 seats left for sale, which are expected to sell out these days. So on Sunday of the Spanish GP race, the 15 grandstands (two more than last year, S and T1) will be packed.
Without venturing to specify figures, the Circuit estimates that public attendance will be historic, similar to those of the 2022 GP (277,836 spectators attended the entire weekend). The one on Sunday (121,667) was the fourth largest entry in the Catalan facility in its 32-year history; close to the record number of 140,700 in 2007.
The atmosphere is assured in the stands. Some riders will have a support stand, such as Carlos Sainz, in Grandstand B. The man from Madrid will have the support of some 3,500 followers as in previous years.
They also have specific Max Verstappen animation stands, the Orange Zone, in Grandstand G, the Estadi area, where the usual orange tide will be experienced. And Pierre Gasly will have his fans in Grandstand M.
This year, the 33rd Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Montmeló, those attending the track will have an improved experience with the introduction of changes and novelties. Are these:
There will be a connection to the public water network and new water sources, to alleviate the problems of lack of drinking water last year.
More shades have been installed. In the area of ​​the old heliport (above the Estadi area) an area sheltered from the sun has been set up, with the presence of food-trucks (mobile food vans). At various points on the circuit, giant tents have been installed to protect themselves from the sun.
New toilets have been opened in the public areas, renovated and more functional, and with a new modern aesthetic.
There will be more food court areas to avoid long queues and long waits. New spaces are created such as the Food Fest, with a varied offer in the old heliport. Water will also be sold at points of sale at the entrances.
Additional parking spaces have been set up and there will be a new system for organizing spaces. It will not be possible to buy parking tickets in the same place during the grand prix (vehicles must be previously accredited through the online purchase, or they will not be able to access). The car parks will be dynamic, that is, the controllers will direct drivers to the available area closest to the accesses, according to capacity in real time.
The circuit can also be accessed through any door (flexible entry), regardless of the type of entry and the area of ​​the grandstand.