Barcelona surrenders to Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz at the F1® Fan Forum

This afternoon, the Formula 1® Barcelona Fan Village experienced the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting: the Fan Forum on the stage in Plaza Catalunya. Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz were the guests of honour who kicked off the Spanish F1 Grand Prix in Barcelona, surrounded by their fans. Although the Village will remain open until Saturday 31 May, from tomorrow the action will also move to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with the Pit Walk.

Alonso and Sainz were not alone. They were accompanied by other personalities from the Grand Prix Circus. This was the case for former Aston Martin and Ferrari drivers and ambassadors Pedro Martínez de la Rosa and Marc Gené, respectively, as well as Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies. Local heroes Pepe Martí, Mari Boya and Bruno del Pino were also there, representing the F2® and F3® categories.

It was in this iconic setting in Barcelona that Fernando Alonso made his debut as the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s new ambassador. The Spaniard was excited and happy about this new role, which promises to bring many positive changes for fans and national motorsport.

“I am proud to showcase these facilities around the world because they are of the highest standard. Having seen so many changes to the track, the paddock and the venue in general, it is impressive to see them now. Furthermore, it is a legendary and historic circuit for Formula 1; a competition that chooses it year after year for many reasons. Being able to help them maintain their dominant position is incredible, especially for future generations, because this is where future drivers, engineers and marshals will come from… And that’s because we have the facilities to make it possible,” said Alonso.

Although the two-time world champion did not want to make any predictions for the weekend, he did share his secret to success, race after race: “Doing what you love keeps you at the top of your game. I think this will be my 21^st Spanish Grand Prix and, although we’ve had a difficult start to the season, we’re continuing to work on improving the car. Every weekend I reset and know that a new, unpredictable adventure begins, and this time I do it enjoying the fans and their enthusiasm, which spreads to you altruistically.”

The other Spanish representative in the premier class, Carlos Sainz, recalled a statistic that has never failed him so far.. “Having competed 10 times in my home Grand Prix with five different teams and five different cars and always scoring points… I think that’s a very good sign.” When asked by the fans at the Fan Forum for a podium finish, the Madrid native replied, “I’m the first to want it, but we need the car to behave.”  Similarly, the new Williams driver added: “We’re still in the ninth race of the year, and my adaptation period with Williams has gone very well. The only thing we’ve been missing is a little bit of luck on Sundays.”

Carlos Sainz will also have the support of the CS55 Grandstand for another year, which has been fundamental in recent editions. “The feeling of seeing so many people chanting your name is incredible. I can’t wait for the Grand Prix to start and for me to get in the car and put on a good show. It’s great seeing everyone jumping, singing and cheering because I know they always give their all in the stands. Let’s see if I can help them enjoy a perfect weekend.’

The Formula 1® Barcelona Fan Village, pure fun

The Formula 1® Barcelona Fan Village will continue to offer entertainment, music and fun until Saturday 31 May, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. With free admission, visitors simply need to download the invitation from the Circuit’s ticket portal to enjoy all this and much more.

A sustainable event

Under the 3C management philosophy (Conscience, Commitment and Consistency), which integrates social, economic and environmental aspects, the Circuit works to achieve responsible activity in its mission ‘Driving for a better future’, within the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

This GP, which is certified to ISO 20121 and ISO 14001 standards, is once again proud to be held at Catalonia’s largest public self-consumption photovoltaic facility. The Catalan racetrack has a total of 2,319 solar panels that generate 50% of the energy consumed.

Other promoted actions are the rental of low-emission generators, the donation of surplus food, the offer of km0 and ecological food, the presence of drinking water sources in the public areas, the improvement of the biodiversity of the green areas, the collaboration with companies with social value, the valorisation and recycling of waste, the promotion of sustainable mobility, the use of the circular economy and many more.