Perhaps it is the strong gypsy influence in Spain, but this grand prix has moved around more than most, before settling on the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona in 1991. In the early Fifties the race was twice held at Pedralbes. Then the race lost its spot on the calendar for over a decade, before resurfacing at Jarama, on the outskirts of Madrid in 1964. The next year, it shifted to the scenic and splendid Montjuich Park in the centre of Barcelona and the two tracks alternated the event until racing at Montjuich was abandoned in 1975. 
Built as part of Barcelona's Olympic development programme, the Circuit de Catalunya is located 20 km north of the Calatan capital on land purchased by the Real Automóvil Club de Catalunya. It was finished in time for the 1991 Spanish Grand Prix and has hosted the race ever since.
The circuit has been modified many times, the most recent being for safety reasons with a new chicane replacing the two very quick corners at the end of the lap. The Circuit de Catalunya hosts many pre-season tests so it is one of the most familiar venues on the Formula One calendar. However, its high-speed nature makes it a physically tough challenge for drivers, although by this stage of the season, they will have reached a good level of race fitness. For the huge amount of spectators who flock to the circuit on race day, it is a well laid-out circuit with easy access and good viewing positions that give a stadium-style ambience.| Circuit Type | Race |
| Capacity | 65,700 approx |
| First Race Held | 1991 |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Circuit Length | 4.655 km (2.875 mi) |
| Race length | 307.104 km (190.825 mi |
| Circuit Turns | 16 |
| Circuit Direction | Clockwise |
| Number of races held | 19 |
| Lap record | 1:21.670 (Kimi Räikkönen, 2008) |
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