An introduction to the Spanish Grand Prix
The fifth race of the F1 Championship season takes places in sunny Spain, on the Circuit de Catalunya located just north of Barcelona in Montmelo. This circuit has been hosting the F1 Grand Prix since 1991. Barcelona is known as Spain's motor racing capital because of the fact that there are several motor racing circuits in its vicinity: Villafrance, Pedralbes and Mont Juic Park.
The goal of building the Circuit de Catalunya in 1989 was to win back the Spanish Grand Prix from the Jerez and Jarama circuits. Up until then the Grand Prix was shared among several Spanish tracks. Catalunya was able to clinch the exclusive rights to the Grand Prix starting in 1991 when Martin Donnelly had a near fatal accident on the Jerez circuit in 1990. This was 16 years after the last Grand Prix was held in Catalunya and was seen as a big coup for the circuit.
The 35th Spanish Grand Prix, and the first held at the Catalunya Circuit, in 1991 was won by Nigel Mansell driving for Williams-Renault after Gerhard Berger's engine blew and legend Ayrton Senna chose the wrong tyres. In the 2011 season Sebastian Vettel won the Spanish Grand Prix. However, it is still Michael Schumacher who holds the most wins with six titles.
For the Spanish Grand Prix, spectators will want to don their sunglasses, sunblock and hats and enjoy the great Spanish weather, hospitality, atmosphere and food.
http://www.formula1.com/
http://www.circuitcat.com/ingles/index.asp