TRANSPORT

Flying
The circuit is based in Montmelo - the closest airport is Barcelona and Girona is the next best option.

Train
Montmeló railway station is closest to the circuit but it's approximately a 25 minute walk to the Circuit so if you're short of time, it's best to get a taxi (although they will be popular on race day).

From Barcelona - take Line 2 of the RENFE commuter rail service Cercanías Barcelona -Maçanet-Massanes.  The 23-minute journey runs every ½ an hour and passes: Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gracia and Clot arriving at Montmeló station.

From Girona - take Line 2 of the RENFE commuter rail service Cercanías Maçanet-Massanes - Barcelona. Trains run every 30 minutes. The journey takes 1 hour.Call RENFE for more info: 902 24 02 02.

Shuttle
Buses from Barcelona (from Passeig Sant Joan/Consell de Cent) to the circuit take 45 minutes depending on traffic and a return fare costs 8 Euros per day. Get tickets from the Sagalés Ticket Office, Passeig de Sant Joan, 52 on weekdays from 7:00am to 1:00pm/ 3:00pm to 8:00pm (remember the Spanish siesta) - more info.

There is a 10 minute walk from the bus stop (Circuit de Catalunya East Area) to Grandstand J.

Buses from the Circuit de Catalunya leave from Área Este (East Area) Llegada a Barcelona and arrives in Barcelona Passeig de Sant Joan/Consell de Cent. The non-stop service runs: Friday 8 May - from 3:30pm to 5:30pm / Saturday 9 May - 3:00pm to 7:00pm and Sunday 10 May- from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

Top Tip: leave 10 minutes to walk across the East Area to the circuit and follow the signs.

Car
Free car parks for bikes and cars. It opens at 7:00 am on Friday and Saturday and at 6:00am on Sunday but beware as they close in the evening and you can't leave vehicles overnight.

The Circuit

There are six General Admission areas (Gate 2) to the Circuit. All of them have a direct view of the track as well as eight giant screen TVs (20 in total). If you don't have a grandstand seat then this is the place to go.

*Disabled people can access the Main Grandstand and Grandstand G with a general admission ticket; although the circuit requests that the accompanying person also buys a corresponding ticket. Reserved parking is available in Car Park IN6.

DRINKING CULTURE

With 23 giant TV screens and eight bars at the circuit you may be tempted to stay by the circuit especially if you decide to pitch up a tent and stay at the campsite specially geared towards Grand Prix guests. However just a hop, skip and a jump away lies Barcelona which is famous for its nightlife. It would be a shame to miss out on the great Mediterranean hang-outs so if you hit the town, then here's where to head.

When it comes to drink, you can get a good selection of soft drinks as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. If you're looking for something stronger however, wine - red, white and rosé - is freely available and a common accompaniment to most meals. White wine is probably Catalonia's best and cava is always a good choice.  Beer, spirits and sangria are other options to try. The later can be made with brandy or if you prefer, cava.

For non-alcholic beverages try the tasty, horchata de chufa, an almond-flavored soft drink popular in Spain.

TOP NOSH

Breakfast usually consists of a cup of coffee and pastry, or if you're not watching the calories, then a cup of rich 'chocolate' and churros, long, warm, donut-like pastries which are dipped into the chocolate. A great way to start your morning! 

The best food market in the city is arguably La Boqueri. Packed with locals, it's a good sign that the food is authentic and above all totally delicious. Browse the stalls and don't forget to sample a thing or two as you go along.

Try the fruit, vegetables, cheese, ham, olives and fish - they are all good options. Catalan cuisine is known for its tasty sauces that accompany meat or fish. Some to look out for include sofregit (a tomato, onion and garlic sauce), chanfaina (tomato, garlic, red pepper, aubergine and courgette) and allioli (garlic, olive oil and egg yolk).

If you're eating during the day then keep your eyes open for the menú del día. You usually get the choice of a couple of options, normally made up of three courses and a drink. It's definitely the cheapest way to eat during the day and a good opportunity to sample local treats such as fish, meat, soup, salads and crema catalana, fruit or ice cream for desert.

Hang out with the Celebs
Arola at Hotel Arts, owned by esteemed restaurateur Sergio Arola has the likes of Mick Jagger, Cindy Crawford and Woody Alan stepping over his porch. The Michelin star award winner insists that his restaurant is infused with the casual Mediterranean spirit - anyone and everyone is welcome. The locally sourced produce (namely the popular market - La Boqueria) encapsulates the taste of Barcelona but is fused with a contemporary flavour. It’s eye-wateringly expensive but mouth-wateringly good.

La Tramoia
Come here for some true Catalan cuisine. When booking, ask for a corner on the terrace where you can take in the magnificent panorama of the Rambla Catalunya. It's great for groups as it won't blow the budget and although the contemporary pop music doesn't add to the Mediterranean  flavour of the Spanish tapas, it's vibe and gastronomic delights more than make up for it.
Rambla de Catalunya 15 (Eixample), Barcelona, telephone : (+34) 93 412 36 34.