‘Why Spain is the Best Grand Prix on the F1 Calendar’

“We watched all kinds of racing at home, but the F1 race on a Sunday was always a sacred moment in our house,” Neus explains.

“Some years after my dad discovered his passion for racing, a friend of his saw a newspaper advert that a new circuit was being built and they were hosting marshal training to have volunteers for races – the rest is history.

"I’ve been going to the racetrack since I was a baby and that’s where I fell in love with my race director’s job. To me the circuit is a big part of who I am as a person and the reason why my life revolves around motorsport nowadays.”

Best Seats in the House

I’ve been as a fan for many years, and I always recommend the same places,” Neus begins.

“If you want to sit on a grandstand, my favourites are T1 as you see the straight, the race starts and the chaos of the first two corners, plus it’s now covered so a good way to avoid direct sun!

“Another is Grandstand G. From there you can see Turns 10 to 13 and have a lot of action. These two are my favourite parts of the circuit.”

However, if you prefer sitting on the grass, Neus has you covered too: “I’d recommend between Turns 7 and 9,” she says.

“For me that’s the craziest atmosphere in the whole circuit during race day. It’s also our favourite spot to see when we do the track inspection before the race!”

An ’Extraordinary’ Community

As well as attending the Spanish Grand Prix as a fan, Neus now gets to visit the circuit from a very different perspective. However, one thing that remains the same is the love the crowds have for racing.

“There are a lot of F1 fans in Spain and the Grand Prix is one of the most special weekends of the year,” she explains.

“It’s amazing to see people queuing to be the first ones in the fan zone to see their idols, or to get a good spot to watch the sessions, at four or five in the morning!

“People come from all over the world, and the community that this creates is extraordinary.

“All the facilities have been renewed these past years so there’s more toilets and water fountains than ever before,” she adds.

“There are also more shaded areas for people to guard from the sun plus food trucks and fan shops all around the circuit. This year there will also be a new fanzone next to Grandstand S with even more activities for fans.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

“I have so many memories at this circuit of going to see my dad on track,” Neus says.

“I remember guessing with my sister if it was dad or not waving the chequered flag after the sessions.

“My first F1 race was the 2006 Spanish Grand Prix when I was 10 years old. I went to the racetrack with my mum, sister and grandad and we watched from our favourite spot at Turn 8 as it was right in front of the post where my dad started marshaling – all his friends, and my uncle, were there volunteering.”

Fast forward to today, and Neus loves any opportunity to bring her nearest and dearest to the track for similar experiences.

“I love spending time at the circuit with my family and bringing friends to share what I do with my life.

“One of my favourite memories of the last few years was when I invited all the girls from our local karting program “Dona Gas” to visit the F1 Academy paddock. To see their enthusiasm, and see this new generation of girls so in love with motorsport, made my weekend.”

City Centre to Circuit

There’s one area Neus thinks all fans should explore over the weekend: “You should wander around and visit the small forest we have in the area behind Turns 7 and 8,” she syas.

The forest is also part of a wider sustainability initiative by the track, which was the first F1 circuit to be awarded the FIA’s coveted 3* sustainability accreditation.

“It’s easy to access all the parts of the race track, so it’s great to walk a bit to find the spot you like the best,” she adds.

“The best moment is when they open the track after the race, so run to view the podium and the pit lane or walk on the asphalt.

“In the city you should definitely visit the fan zone in plaça Catalunya to experience the full fan experience. Also walk around the city center to see some of our art like casa batlló, la pedrera or our gothic cathedral all near the fan zone.

“I’d definitely spare some time to visit the beach and have a good paella at the seaside, there’s so many good restaurants.”

So Much Track Action to Enjoy

Although it’s possible to drive to the circuit, Neus suggests setting your alarm early and using public transport to start your day in a stress-free way: “Be there really early to watch the support series, and that way avoid the last-minute traffic.”

There’s also no shortage of talent on track, with both Formula 2 and Formula 3 part of the package this weekend.

“I always recommend everyone to come in advance and enjoy the early mornings on track, see the marshals during the inspection lap, watch all the excitement of the support races and also do the same in the afternoon.

“Stay on track a bit and relax before leaving and not rushing as soon as the chequered flag falls – there are so many good things you’ll miss if you only watch the F1 sessions.”