Barcelona F1 testing - anyone been?

[Gareth1974]

Looking at my work roster for next year, I can see I've got a few consecutive days off during the second F1 test at Barcelona. There are also cheap flights from my local airport, so I'm thinking that a few days there might make for a nice little trip.

Anyone been there? Is it worth going or a bore fest! Any tips also welcome.

[toastyhamster]

Wasn't it snowed off recently? Not my idea of fun unless you can score some pit access or something nice.

[Flog123]

We went to the last day of the second week of testing this year. Fellas I went with have been a few times

Flights were cheap as was our hotel and the testing ticket cost 18 Euros.

We arrived just as they were opening the gates for the queue of eight people infront of us.

Getting from Montmelo train station to the track is a hike, you might fall lucky with a taxi on the way.


You do see the cars a lot more than you would at a grand prix, only just not all together, racing.

Sneak your own booze in, as they sell out quickly and the bag checks are not interested in what you have in your rucksack.

Edited by Flog123 on Wednesday 14th November 19:48

Edited by Flog123 on Wednesday 14th November 19:53

[HardtopManual]

I think it depends on what you're expecting to do and see. I went in 2017 because I wanted to see the new, wider cars. I also like taking photos of the cars (Catalunya is great for photography); it's much easier at a test than a race due to the lack of crowds and the number of laps run. The weather was fine and sunny. I suspect it's absolutely crap if it snows, as it did this year. If I didn't have the interest of the new cars and the photography angle, I think I'd have got bored quite quickly.

One tip; hire a car. Parking at the circuit is free and you can use the car to store food/drinks/clothing without having to hump it around the circuit - the car park is only across the road from the turn 13 entrance.