Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is getting ready to welcome the Formula 1 World Championship for the first time this year, with the staging of the complete preseason testing. The winter tests will cover a total of 8 days, split into two weeks; the first from 18 to 21 February, and the second from 26 February to 1 March. Having the chance to watch the novelties of the car racing championship par excellence for the first time is already a huge attraction for all those attending, but the Circuit wants to turn the experience into full-day enjoyment with activities and unique opportunities for all fans.
The great novelty of this year is the chance to visit the paddock. There will be a one-day ticket available providing access to this exclusive area, the nerve centre of the action, and the place in which drivers and teams meet. The ticket does also provide access to the open grandstands to watch the activity on the track. It is a unique opportunity to meet and watch the best drivers of the world up close.
The pit lane, which is also one of the special areas of the circuit, will be at the reach of fans as well, with the usual pitlane walkabout, every day from 13.00 to 13.45h. Walking along the pit lane and enjoying a front-row view of the pit garages and the frenetic activity inside of them in order to fine-tune the new single-seaters is another great attraction offered by the world championship track.
All those wishing to feel the adrenaline and the speed first-hand, in addition to watching it, will also get their chance at the electric kart track. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya commits to sustainability while offering opportunities for all publics: two-seater karts, karts for children and karts adapted to people with disabilities. This area is located behind the Main Grandstand, next to Gate 3.
The Catalan racetrack continues organising guided tours during the Formula One Test Days in order to show the different corners of the Circuit in full performance. Places like the briefing room, race control or even the service tracks, in addition to the paddock and other emblematic venues which are not always accessible. This year again, schoolchildren from different Catalan schools and institutions for people with disabilities will have the chance to enjoy this tour as well.
Next Monday, 18 February, the gates of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be opened earlier than usual, at 08.00h, to let fans access the Main Grandstand. From there, they will be able to watch the world launch of Alfa Romeo Racing’s new single-seater. Previously known as team Sauber, Alfa Romeo Racing will unveil their 2019 machine to the media, with the attendance of their driver line-up: world champion Kimi Räikkönen and young Antonio Giovinazzi.