Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Montmeló) – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will feature a different configuration of its layout for the FORMULA 1 AWS GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2023. The pinnacle of motor racing has decided to hold the Grand Prix, which will take place from 2 to 4 June, without the chicane returning the circuit to its original last two corner layout

In order to carry out this important change that will also improve the safety of the track, the Circuit has followed the FIA instructions installing new TECPRO barriers in the last two turns. Stuart Robertson, Head of Circuit and Rally Safety at the FIA, and Niels Wittich, FIA Formula 1 Race Director and Safety Delegate, were in charge of approving this modification during the usual inspection of the track. The total length of the track for the Spanish Grand Prix will be 4,657 metres.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been homologated both with and without the chicane for the rest of the motor racing competitions that use the Grand Prix layout. It will be up to each promoter or championship to decide which one will be used in each case.

Other significant changes for 2023

Another modification that will affect all track configurations is the widening of the run-off area in Turn 1. A first phase of works has already been completed there, which has enlarged the area with 70 metres of gravel and a slope of approximately 5% and has installed a new FIA fence protecting turns 1 and 2, thus significantly improving the safety of the drivers and riders. With this modification, the Circuit can hold on-track action, while a second phase of works is being carried out simultaneously, which affects the service roads surrounding the area and a part of the public area. This second phase is scheduled to be finished by the end of March.

Something that will catch the attention of the participants, but also of the spectators, is the remodelling of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya scoreboard, located at the pit lane exit. This season, the Circuit will have a new signalling tower, a much more modern one that will continue to add character to one of the most iconic points of the facilities. As usual, other routine and necessary tasks have been carried out on the track, such as painting, replacing some of the kerbs, renewing tyres, etc. There will also be other new features off the track. On the first floor of the long pit building, the former hospitality areas known as Corporate Lounges will have a new layout, turning them into an open-plan space with a large capacity. The permanent toilets in the fan areas of the facilities are also being refurbished and will be ready for the 2023 season.