Since its inauguration in the early 1990s, the Montmeló circuit has hosted many exciting Formula One stories. The Spanish GP celebrates its 33rd editionprecisely the number of wins you are looking for Fernando Alonsothat the last victory in the Great Circus of F-1 was on May 12, 2013, precisely in circuit of catalunya. This weekend the organization dedicated box 33 for him.
Alonso presented some of the most memorable moments in the history of Montmeló. In 2006, he managed to win for the first time, towards his first world title, and crossed with his Benetton Renault under the checkered flag in front of a dedicated audience, more than 120,000 people who went crazy for his display, especially the his Asturian fans stand in front of La Moreneta. It is the great celebration of Spanish motoring. Seven years later, in 2013, although less publicly, he would repeat his victory, this time at the controls of Ferrari.
Therefore, the Catalan circuit brings good memories to the followers of the Asturian pilot. The 32nd came with Ferrari after an epic comeback by the Spaniard in which he started from fifth position and ended up leading the race from lap 13 to the end.
Almost 10 years have passed since that race. This year, Aston Martin has given the driver a car that can truly go head-to-head with the greatest, bridging the gap with Verstappen and Checo Pérez, who are on another level. After the podiums obtained by Fernando in the first races of the year -the last one being the 2nd on Sunday in Monaco-, Alonso will be looking for the 33rd. The Red Bulls start as favourites, but any last-minute flurry could bring the Asturian closer to his 33rd victory. Tickets have been sold for weeks, including low visibility ones. The nano brings back the joy, emotion and passion for F-1 to the Spanish public.
Surprisingly, Montmeló is a premiere circuit. In addition to Max Verstappen’s first victory at the Circuit, Pastor Maldonado’s first and only victory in Formula 1 can also be seen, in 2012, in an exciting Grand Prix in which the Venezuelan took pole position and then beat Fernando in fight 2nd place was the sixth podium and third runner-up in the Asturian drawer.
Regarding this year’s race, the organizers announced at the time that they will provide the last chicane to return to the original layout and enjoy two fast corners. The double world champion was happy with the changes made. “I think it will be more fun to drive like this. That curve is too slow for cars. It’s not fun to race there, but we’ll have to wait and see if this new design helps overtaking.”
In addition to the modification of the chicane, the safety of the drivers has also been strengthened, increasing the hole at turn 1 and incorporating the FIA protection fence at turns 1 and 2.
In its beginnings it used to be said that whoever won Montmeló would eventually be proclaimed world champion, but the saying became obsolete over the years.
Regarding the record of the Spanish pilots in Montmeló, apart from Alonso, history says that in addition to the ‘works’ of the Nano, with two victories, three seconds and two thirds, the best result of a local pilot is the fourth stall. Carlos Sainz in the 2022 race, with Ferrari, after adding two sixths in 2016 and 2020. Sainz has always scored points at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The other Spaniard who scored on this track was JAime Alguersuariwho finished tenth in 2010
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
