Back in 1908 races where held in
Catalonia for the first time at the Baix Penedes circuit. In the
early twenties the first permanent racetrack from Spain was
constructed at Sitges Terramar near Barcelona and hosted a Grand
Prix in 1923.Unfortunately it closed already in 1936. At Christmas
1932 a motorcycle race was held for the first time on the streets of
Monjuich Park in Barcelona. In 1933 the first car-races has been
held there.
Near the Formula 1 start/finish is now this monument.
Click at the picture For a lap around the Monjuich racetrack!
The track was 3,791 km (2,35 mile)
long and was driven anti-clockwise. Montjuich was one of the most
beautiful and challenging, but also one of the most dangerous street
circuits in the world. Click on the picture above for an impression
of the track.
During the years 1969 till 1975 the
Spanish Grand Prix was alternated between Montjuich and Jarama. The
Grand Prix from 1975 was overshadowed by drama, which means the end
of Formula 1 racing at Monjuich!
It started during the practice when
drivers expressed their doubts about the safety of the track and a
drivers strike was in the air! The organizers where threatening to
impound the cars by a possible strike to compensate the financial
losses. So the team bosses told their drivers not to strike!
Emmerson Fittipaldi was driven his obliged three laps during
qualifying and was leaving the circuit. He would not start in the
race on Sunday!
After the race was started a few
small incidents happen. On lap 26 the rear wing of the leading car
from the German Rolf Stommelen broke and the car crashed over the
guardrail. Three marshals and a reporter died! Three laps later the
race was stopped and Jochen Mass was declared winner but only half
points where given. That was the last Formula 1 Grand Prix at
Monjuich! Until 1986 24 hour races for motorcycles have been held.
But after 1986 Monjuich Park definitely closed for racing! In 2007 a
revival was held at the old track.
Near Barcelona, at Montmeló, is now a
modern permanent circuit where the Spanish Grand Prix is held since
1991. Today the old street circuit at Montjuich looks almost the
same. Only a roundabout have been added.
