Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be, for the sixth year in a row, the world-exclusive test bench for the premier class of car racing. Tomorrow, once the lights have gone green, we will be able to see all the novelties of the Formula 1 World Championship for this season.
Changes, significant changes. For example, fans will have to get used to seeing Esteban Ocon back on the track. The former Mercedes reserve driver has been given a seat as works driver at Renault, next to Daniel Ricciardo. The other side of the coin goes to Nico Hülkenberg, who left the French squad and the premier class. On the other hand, Toro Rosso is back under the name of Alpha Tauri, although with the same driver line-up. And even if most of the teams will be testing with their works drivers, Alpha Romeo Racing has already confirmed that their new test driver, Robert Kubica, is going to be at the wheel of the C38.
As regards the unknowns, there are also different focus points. On the one hand, there are battles between the heavy weights of the dominant teams: Hamilton-Bottas (Mercedes) and Vettel-Leclerc (Ferrari). We’ll have to see who manages to claim the lead this year. And Mercedes could even be able to set a new record this year, as the manufacturer with the most number of consecutive titles. The German squad has currently 6, equalling Ferrari. On the other hand, this could be the year in which Sainz manages to consolidate his position in the field, after surprising the whole world with his excellent performance. Fans may be able to see several podium finishes of the Spanish driver this season. In addition to the performance of McLaren, we still have to know where Red Bull will be in the standings, as they are looking forward to getting back to the top.
The world première of F1® for 2020 will also hide strategies, with their respective questions: Will Mercedes show all of their cards? Will the new, more aggressive concept of Ferrari be useful? Will Williams rise from the ashes? Everything is yet to be unveiled during the six days of the Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing.
Closer to fans
For the first time, the teams will not be allowed to place panels in front of their garages while there is activity on the track. This means that fans will have a complete and unmatched view of everything happening inside the garages, and the cars will be completely visible from the start of the tests.
Two of the World Championship teams, Haas and Alfa Romeo Racing, will launch their new vehicles tomorrow on the pit lane of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya at 8.00am and 8.20am respectively. All fans wishing to attend this moment may do so from the Main Grandstand.
Moreover, the Circuit is offering a wide range of ticket modalities, some of which include access to the pit walk, giving fans the chance to walk along the pit lane and have an even closer look at the pit garages. This activity will take place on every test day from 13.00 to 13.45h.
Transport
There is a special transport programme to come out to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Fans have a direct bus offered by Sagalés departing from the Barcelona Nord Bus Station (platform 27, 28) and arriving at Car Park C of the Circuit, to access the facility through Gate 3. The departure times are 8.30, 9.30 and 10.30 to get to the Circuit; and 16.30, 17.30 and 18.30 h to get back to Barcelona. The price of the return ticket is €8.
Booking and detailed information at: https://www.sagales.com/es/excursion/199/formula-1-test-days
Attendants can also reach the Circuit by train, taking line R2 RENFE, stopping at Montmeló. From Montmeló there is a regular Sagales bus service (number 416) that stops at Rec del Molinar. From there, it is a short walk to Gate 3. For the way back, fans have a bus stop at Can Cabanyes – Can Gordi.
Access
The access to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be through Gate 3 from 8am on the first day and from 8.30am on the rest of the days. Box Office 3 will be open, as well as the Main Grandstand and Grandstands F and G to follow the activity. Cars will be parked in Car Park C (former IN6).
Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing, from €23
Tickets to enjoy the Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing and complete information are available at www.circuitcat.com. Tickets can be purchased from €23.