Historic F1 circuit set for remarkable 2027 motorsport arrival

IndyCar has confirmed a historic addition to its 2027 calendar, with the NTT IndyCar Series set to race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the first time.

The inaugural IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona is scheduled for Sunday, 18 July and will form the centrepiece of Phase Two of next year's schedule. It marks IndyCar's first visit to Spain and sets up what is being billed as a homecoming for Barcelona native Alex Palou, the five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion who races for Chip Ganassi Racing.

The multi-year deal with the Montmeló circuit represents IndyCar's first race outside North America since 2013, when James Hinchcliffe won on the streets of São Paulo. It also marks a return to Europe for the series, which last raced on the continent in 2007 at TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands.

Penske Entertainment Corp. president and CEO Mark Miles described the announcement as a landmark moment for the championship.

"This is a monumental day for our sport," Miles said. "We are pleased to be able to take our ultra-competitive brand of wheel-to-wheel racing to Europe and thrilled that we can showcase IndyCar in Alex Palou's hometown. We have seen Alex's remarkable skill and talent for several years and know his fans in Spain have been clamouring to watch him race in person.

"We cannot wait to see the NTT IndyCar Series compete at one of the world's most recognisable motorsports venues set against the backdrop of a very historic and breathtaking international destination like Barcelona."

Palou sealed his fifth NTT IndyCar Series title in 2026, becoming only the second driver in the series' history to win four consecutive championships, joining Sebastien Bourdais, who achieved the feat between 2004 and 2007. 

With five titles in six years and 25 career wins, the Spaniard is tied for 17th on the all-time wins list. Only A.J. Foyt, with seven championships, and Scott Dixon, with six, have won more.

Barcelona welcomes significant IndyCar arrival

Palou said he could not wait to race in front of his home crowd.

"I'm so excited to be part of IndyCar's first race in Barcelona," Palou said. "It is an amazing opportunity, and it means so much to me to have a race at home in Barcelona, it's hard to put into words. I know the fans are going to love it, and I think we are going to put on a great show.

"We're going to try hard with the team at Chip Ganassi Racing to bring home the trophy in July."

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, located just outside the Spanish city, has hosted international motorsport since opening in 1991, including Formula 1 and MotoGP, and is known for its blend of high-speed corners and technical sections.

Chairman of the Board of Fira de Barcelona and Fira Circuit Pau Relat said the arrival of IndyCar was a significant moment for the venue.

"The arrival of IndyCar is a major milestone and an exciting challenge for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya," Relat said. "Bringing one of the most prestigious and spectacular championships in global motorsport to our venue strengthens our international positioning, connects us with new audiences and markets, and reinforces our strategy of diversifying the circuit's activity through world-class events.

"We are working with a long-term vision to make IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona a benchmark event on the international racing calendar for years to come."