Spanish GP – The Barcelona circuit, in recent months, has undergone modernization work, much requested by Liberty Media, to remain on the F1 calendar beyond 2026. However, with the Madrid Grand Prix looming, this enormous effort could be in vain .
Spanish GP, here are the works for the "new" Barcelona
Thanks to the 50 million made available by the Catalan government, the organizers have created the following works:
- A new pitlane structure with a first floor and a terrace.
- A 1000 seat VIP grandstand.
- The renovation of the control tower, with new areas and terraces, and a panoramic lift.
- A new restaurant that will be relocated from the control tower; it will be a much larger, ground floor building, improving accessibility for all.
- Installation of approximately 1080 solar panels, one of Liberty Media's objectives for environmental sustainability.
The most important work of these modernization works is the "Rooftop", a two-storey structure that stands out between turns 9, 10 and 11, approximately 30 meters high above the asphalt. It will be inaugurated tomorrow, the day before the start of the Grand Prix.
This structure will allow the passage between the stadium and the paddock. Inside it will offer a VIP service, like a restaurant also renowned by the Michelin guide, a sort of "bridge refreshment", similar to the Arda-Fiorenzuola d'Arda motorway service station, on the A1 motorway.
![GP Spain 2024 times and TV](https://www.formulacritica.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Montmelo-jpg.webp)
In recent years, the Catalan circuit has not offered exciting races, also due to its layout, with the much criticized third sector. Only in 2022, the third sector has returned to its origins, but the races have certainly not improved.
The semi-permanent street circuit of Madrid, with totally private investments, has signed to host the Spanish Grand Prix until 2035. The Catalan circuit, with these new works, hopes to be the second Grand Prix on Spanish soil, but as per the Monza and Imola Grands Prix, Liberty Media does not tolerate the fact that one country can host two Grands Prix.
The United States, as we well know, hosts three of them: Miami, Austin and Las Vegas. However, it is the exception that proves the rule, and Liberty Media makes the rules.
Crediti foto: F1