“Well, I’ve never been to Spain,
But I kind of like the music.”
–Three Dog Night
You’re probably not old enough to remember this song lyric, but it’s what came to mind as I was thinking about writing my introduction to Circuit de Catalunya, also known as Circuit de Barcelona. The song lyric has nothing to do with the track, but I’m thinking about it just the same.
Having run several practices races at the facility, I have to admit that I like it. It’s very much a flowing, rhythm track, with lots of high-speed corners. Unlike Brands Hatch, which also was made up primarily of high-speed corners, at Circuit de Catlunya, it’s a little easier to pass, which is good because it gives me the opportunity to start further back on the grid and still have the possibility of a good finish.
Here’s what the folks at iRacing have to say about Circuit de Catalunya:
“Located just outside of Barcelona, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was built in 1991 and took over the Spanish Grand Prix the very same year. Many of the world’s top race drivers have found themselves atop the podium at the unique circuit, including Michael Schumacher, who won the race a record six times, including four in a row from 2001-2004.
“The track requires drivers and teams to be on their A game at all times, as wind and weather can dramatically affect the strength of a given setup or tire compound. Barcelona mixes a long, fast front straightaway with flowing curves early in the lap and a number of heavy braking and even blind corners before heading back to the finish line.”
I’ve fallen out of the top five in points after my less than stellar performance at Brands Hatch, so I really need a good finish. It’s off to Barcelona for round 7 at Circuit de Catalunya.
