Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is ready for F2: preview

As Formula 2 returns to its pre-season testing venue for round 5, the drivers face one of the toughest technical challenges on the calendar.

(Image credit to Red Bull)

The Track:

The Formula 2 championship is returning to the track in Barcelona where they had previously completed pre-season testing in February.

Often referred to as the Ultimate Test Bench in motorsport, the 4.657 km circuit is a familiar challenge for the drivers and teams, featuring 14 turns and two DRS zones, the track offers a mix of technical sections and overtaking opportunities. 

The track punishes tires - especially the front-left tyre - making strategic pitstops and tyre management crucial throughout all the sessions of the weekend.

Since replacing the slow final chicane with a fast right-hander back in 2023, the speeds and sector times have increased significantly, which creates overtaking opportunities. 

Drivers To Look For:

Dino Beganovic is one of the drivers to look for. The Swedish driver had a strong performance in round 4 in Monaco, securing a 5th place in the sprint race and bronze medal in the feature race and is looking to continue that in Barcelona.

Martinius Stenshorne is another driver who delivered impressive results in Monaco, as well as having shown blistering pace during the pre-season testing at this track, which will give him a baseline setup advantage for this weekend’s action.

Last but not least, Rafa Câmara, who set one of the fastest lap times during pre-season testing at 1:23.630, just 0,018 seconds ahead of ART Grand Prix's Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak. Câmara will be hoping to make a comeback after losing his second place in the standings to Nikola Tsolov.

Schedule (All timings in CEST):

Friday:

Practice - 11:05 - 11:50

Qualifying - 15:55 - 16:25

Saturday:

Sprint Race - 14:15 - 15:00

Sunday:

Feature Race - 11:25 - 12:25

Article written by Laura Friis