July 2027 will bring Catalonia a brand-new grand prix, with a hometown driver in the spotlight
Some news makes a city’s heart race. Barcelona has just received such news: IndyCar, America’s premier single-seater championship and home of the legendary Indianapolis 500, will race in Spain for the very first time. It will do so at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Montmeló, and it is here to stay: the agreement signed runs for ten years.
For those of us who live this city with passion, it is a wonderful opportunity for everyone who shares this great love of motorsport. The IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona will cross the Atlantic to bring us all the speed and excitement of the racing world.
A Historic Event
The first IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona will take place from 16 to 18 July 2027, with the race on Sunday 18 July. It will be the championship’s first event outside North America since 2013, and its only European round on the calendar. You can follow all the latest event news on the official IndyCar website.
The setting is well known to motorsport lovers. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya opened in 1991 and for more than three decades has hosted the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, as well as the MotoGP World Championship and, just this autumn, the 6 Hours of Barcelona of the World Endurance Championship. Its layout, combining fast corners with technical sections, is one of the most demanding and highly regarded among drivers.
In 2027, Formula 1 will leave Montmeló’s summer free, returning from 2028 in alternate years. IndyCar will therefore become Catalonia’s major motorsport event next year.
Álex Palou: The Champion Comes Home
If one name explains this arrival, it is Álex Palou. Born in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, some twenty minutes from the circuit, Palou has won five IndyCar titles, the last four in a row, and claimed victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 2025. He is already one of the most decorated drivers in the championship’s history.
For years, his fans in Catalonia have followed him in the small hours of the night, from across the ocean. In July 2027 they will at last see him race at home, in front of his own people. Few moments in sport are as moving as a champion returning to where it all began.
A Motorsport Culture to Discover
IndyCar has a personality all its own: unmistakable single-seaters, constant overtaking, a welcoming paddock atmosphere and devoted fans who celebrate every race like a great festival. Its arrival brings Barcelona a sporting tradition with more than a century of history, and offers visitors from the Americas the chance to discover a destination that blends culture, the sea, gastronomy and neighbourhood life.
A Summer to Stay
July is a splendid month to discover Barcelona. We invite you to stay a few days beyond race weekend: sunsets by the sea, terraces, museums, strolls through the modernista Eixample and evenings that stretch out into the streets. The thrill of Montmeló is best enjoyed with the city as your travel companion.
Speed, with the Calm of Home
At our hotels, we carry 200 years and eight generations of hotel tradition in Barcelona, and we take pride in welcoming every guest like family. Hotel Continental Palacete, on Rambla de Catalunya, is just steps from Passeig de Gràcia station, where trains depart for Montmeló. Hotel Continental Barcelona, on La Rambla, places you in the very heart of the city. And after a long day at the circuit, our 24-hour sweet and savoury buffet awaits, so you can recharge at any hour.
Book in Advance
It will be a historic weekend, and demand will be high. We encourage you to plan your stay early and to join us for IndyCar’s debut in Barcelona. Book your stay early and directly at www.hotelcontinental.com
