Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
With long straights and a wide variety of corners, Catalunya is seen as an all round test of an F1 car's abilities, and for this reason is regularly used for pre season testing.
In terms of the layout, it certainly provides variety, from the wide, sweeping turn 3, to the changing radii of 4,5, and 6, and the tight hairpin at turn 10.
The layout was altered in 2007, replacing a sweeping corner at turn 13 with a tight chicane, created by adding turns 14, and 15. This was an attempt to adapt to the greater aerodynamic turbulence of modern F1 cars, create better overtaking opportunities, and lower speeds at the entrance to the pit lane.
Winners
In the F1 era, Michael Schumacher has the most Spanish GP wins with seven, including four in succession from 2001-2004. Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, and Mika Hakinnen all have three wins.
Of the current drivers, Kimi Raikonnen, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton all have two victories each.
Ferrari have been the most successful team in Spain with 12 wins, followed by McLaren with eight.
Last year's winner was Lewis Hamilton, but it was the year before that may be better remembered. In 2016, both Mercedes drivers had crashed out by turn four of the race, as Hamilton and Rosberg tussled for the lead, with disastrous consequences.
Max Verstappen went on to win on his debut for Red Bull, and in the process broke several records, including the youngest GP winner, and the first Dutchman to win an F1 Grand Prix.
Crowds
The Spanish Grand Prix has been reasonably well attended in recent years, with around 90,000 spectators on race day, thanks in part to Fernando Alonso..
