Fira Circuit, GSMA and Mobile World Capital Seal Alliance to Showcase New Technologies at the Circuit

GSMA, Mobile World Capital and Fira Circuit today announced a collaboration agreement for the facility to host demonstrations of connected and autonomous vehicles and smart technology to enhance the fan experience.

The presentation of this agreement, which will be in force for three years, took place at an event at MWC Barcelona and was attended by John Hoffman, CEO at GSMA, Francesc Fajula, CEO at Mobile World Capital, and Ignasi Armengol, CEO at Fira Circuit.

The new alliance has been designed to offer a technological showcase at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, establishing the venue as a centre for innovation in advanced connectivity with the aim of promoting the future of connected and autonomous vehicles, air mobility and drones, and technology applied to entertainment. In this way, the Circuit will host innovation projects in various locations throughout its facilities to support different use cases for the technology.

GSMA Foundry, the GSMA’s innovation centre, will manage the demonstrations of the projects, which are aimed at experimenting and testing connectivity technologies, automation and intelligent drones, as well as new and innovative experiences for fans.

Positioned at the cutting edge of technological innovation, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will hold the first demonstrations during MWC26 Barcelona, and then carry them out on the Catalan track throughout the year at events for fans of motor racing, sports and music.

John Hoffman, CEO at GSMA Ltd.: “We are delighted to support the transformation strategy and technological roadmap of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The GSMA Foundry is making progress by delivering successful results with high-value partners. Since its launch in 2021, it has already launched more than 70 highly innovative projects. This new partnership is no exception and our work with Mobile World Capital and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya promises to offer some truly immersive experiences to visitors to future MWC events and motor racing events.

Francesc Fajula de Quintana, CEO at Mobile World Capital: “This encouraging partnership allows us to support the development of innovative digital services and improve the Circuit’s operations. In addition, taking advantage of our digital talent programme, we will offer retraining opportunities and promote the Circuit’s connection with Barcelona’s digital ecosystem, managing its participation in events such as the MWC, the Talent Arena and 4YFN, showing how technology reshapes our lives and creates new opportunities”.

Ignasi Armengol, General Manager at Fira Circuit: “The Circuit’s strategy is focused on digitalisation, sustainability and diversification. Our goal is to develop an infrastructure around the Circuit that allows us to offer new and exciting experiences for fans and visitors, not only for motorsports, but also for other sporting, musical and business events, such as the MWC. We intend to offer a long-term vision and leave a legacy that replicates the successful model of Fira Barcelona.”

Ignasi Armengol, together with Richard Cockle, Director at GSMA Foundry and Connected Industries, GSMA, and Eduard Marin, Director of Innovation at Mobile World Capital, will talk about the new partnership and how it will bring connectivity use cases to life. The session ‘Transforming the F1 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya into an advanced connectivity test bench’ will be held during the Connected Industries Networking welcome at 5:00 pm on Wednesday 5 March (Connected Industries, Hall 4).