Circuit de Catalunya

Circuit de Catalunya

The Barcelona Circuit, officially known as Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (often just “Catalunya”), is one of the premier racetracks in Europe and a staple on both the MotoGP and WorldSBK calendars. From a motorcycle trackday perspective, it offers a high-speed, flowing layout with big braking zones, fast corners, and excellent facilities—making it an absolute favorite among experienced riders.


🏁 Track Overview

  • Length: 4.657 km (2.894 mi)

  • Turns: 14 (8 right, 6 left)

  • Main straight: ~1,047 meters

  • Elevation change: Moderate

  • Direction: Clockwise

  • Surface: High grip but abrasive, recently resurfaced (in 2020)

Note: For motorcycles, the layout generally avoids the tight final chicane used in F1 and uses the original sweeping final corner instead.


🏍️ Trackday Riding Perspective

What Makes Barcelona a Rider Favorite

  1. Fast and Flowing
    This circuit emphasizes corner speed and rhythm. You spend a lot of time leaned over at high speed, especially in sweeping corners like Turn 3 (Renault) and Turn 4 (Repsol).

  2. Big Braking Zones
    Turn 1 and Turn 10 offer major braking zones after long straights—perfect for practicing hard braking and late entries. Setup and trail braking skills matter here.

  3. MotoGP-Grade Facilities
    World-class garages, paddock access, medical teams, and tire vendors are usually available during events. Very rider-friendly.

  4. Versatile Layout
    The mix of fast sweepers, slow hairpins, and flowing esses makes this a well-rounded circuit, ideal for riders looking to improve all-around skills.

  5. Consistent Weather
    Located just outside Barcelona, the climate is warm and dry most of the year—trackdays run from spring through late autumn, with the summer being hot but manageable.


⚠️ Challenges

  • Abrasive Surface
    Catalunya eats tires—especially the right side—so bring extras if you’re doing multiple days. Be prepared to adjust pressures and manage wear.

  • High-Speed Corners
    Mistakes in fast sections can be costly. While runoff is decent, you need to commit and ride clean lines.

  • Wind
    Occasionally the track gets strong gusts, especially on the main straight and Turns 1–3.


🔑 Key Corners for Riders

  1. Turn 1 (Elf)
    Very fast entry, big braking zone. You’ll be downshifting hard from top gear—braking stability is critical. Easy to overshoot.

  2. Turn 3 (Renault)
    Long, high-speed right-hander. Keep it smooth and maintain throttle. Builds confidence and tests lean endurance.

  3. Turn 5 (Seat)
    A tighter left-hander. Important to get a good drive out toward Turn 6.

  4. Turn 9 (Campsa)
    Fast uphill right-hand kink. Blind entry—very rewarding when done right, but don’t run wide.

  5. Turn 10 (La Caixa)
    Big braking zone after a short straight. Great overtaking spot but easy to go in too deep.

  6. Turn 13–14 (final corner)
    If you’re using the MotoGP bike layout (no F1 chicane), it’s a fast, flowing right onto the main straight. Set up your line early for the best exit.


🔧 Setup & Riding Tips

  • Tires: Use tire warmers and manage pressures for hot track days. Right side of the tire wears fast—especially on superbikes.

  • Brakes: High-speed braking zones require strong pads and well-bled systems.

  • Suspension: Set up for stability in hard braking and confidence in mid-corner lean. Fast transitions not as critical as flow and grip.


🧭 Trackday Logistics

  • Closest Airport: Barcelona El Prat (BCN), ~30–35 minutes

  • Popular Trackday Providers:

    • Art Motor

    • Bike Promotion

    • Trackdays.es

    • No Limits Trackdays (UK-based)

    • Motorsport Vision (MSVT)

  • Nearby Accommodation:
    Options in Montmeló, Granollers, or Barcelona itself. Staying in Barcelona adds a commute but gives access to city amenities and nightlife.

  • Pit Setup:
    Full garages with power, tire services, tech support, and fuel available on site.


✅ Ideal For:

  • Intermediate to advanced riders looking to improve corner speed, braking, and tire management

  • Riders with fast bikes who want to explore the full throttle range

  • Trackday travellers combining a great city trip with world-class riding

Venue Details
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