| The Circuit de Catalunya is one of the most spectator | | | | The Star Alliance have flights originating from all |
| friendly circuits anywhere; it is the home circuit of the | | | | coners of the globe that can get you to Monaco (Nice |
| reigning World Champion; and it's the first of the | | | | Airport). |
| season's European races. And if that isn't reason | | | | Accommodation: |
| enough for any self-respecting F1 fan to go then | | | | The area surrounding the circuit has many small |
| consider this...it is located half an hour's drive north of | | | | privately run hotels, but to be sure of a place to stay, |
| Barcelona along the motorway to Girona. Or in other | | | | we recommend the Ibis Barcelona |
| words, two of the best tourist destinations in Europe! | | | | Montmelo-Granollers right next to the circuit. A short |
| There isn't much to recommend staying near the circuit | | | | distance from the circuit you'll find the Formule1 |
| unless your visit is restricted to the three days of the | | | | Barcelona Mollet. It is a budget hotel and suitable if you |
| event - accommodation and attractions are limited. | | | | have your own vehicle. The Novotel Barcelona Sant |
| However, with the temptations of Barcelona so close, | | | | Joan Despi is the place to stay in Barcelona if you |
| the short commute to and from the circuit is a small | | | | want to be within easy reach of the sights and |
| price to pay. | | | | available transport. |
| Barcelona has always had its fair share of attractions; | | | | Transportation:By Train: |
| most notably the architecture of Gaudi, the art of | | | | From Barcelona, the Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona |
| Picasso, and its other one and a half million inhabitants | | | | Sants, or Clot rail stations will get you to Montmelo, |
| who daily frequent Barcelona's most famous | | | | which is the nearest station to the circuit. Tickets are a |
| thoroughfare, La Ramblas. It took the 1992 Olympics to | | | | little complicated; because Montmelo is in Zone 2, the |
| remind people that Barcelona is a worthwhile travel | | | | Bonotren Zone 2 ticket (9.20 Euro) is the best value if |
| destination - and it isn't about to let us forget Barcelona | | | | you're going to the circuit for all 3 days - it gives you 10 |
| is a party town. | | | | journeys and is valid for 30 days. The train journey |
| One thing to get used to is the Siesta/Fiesta clock. | | | | takes approximately half an hour from Barcelona to |
| Lunch is the biggest meal of the day; you then take it | | | | Montmelo. |
| easy for the afternoon before putting in a few more | | | | By Bus: |
| hours of work. The evening meal doesn't start until | | | | A special bus service for spectators is available from |
| about 10pm - and by start, I mean it carries on for | | | | Passeig Sant Joan 52 - Diputacion. Purchase your |
| hours in the form of tapas. The constant grazing on | | | | return ticket (6.00 Euro) at the ticket office between |
| these tasty bits and bites, combined with the constant | | | | 07:00 and 13:00 or 15:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday. |
| consumption of sangria accounts for the 'fiesta' | | | | Check the bus operating hours before purchasing your |
| atmosphere. Don't expect any early nights! | | | | ticket. |
| Getting there from Australia: | | | | Tickets: |
| Thai Airways International flies to Barcelona from | | | | General Admission costs 136 Euro (AUD$220 approx.) |
| Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth six days a | | | | for the weekend, with grandstands prices ranging from |
| week with convenient connections in Bangkok and | | | | 215 Euro (AUD$350 approx.) to 533 Euro (AUD$865 |
| either Frankfurt, Zurich, Copenhagen or Madrid. Total | | | | approx.). |
| travel time is between 22 and 28 hours depending on | | | | For tickets and travel recommendations contact |
| your home port. | | | | Temple Grand Prix on 0433 300 527. |
| Getting there from the rest of the world: | | | | |