BARCELONA

Track length: 4.627 km

Number of laps: 66 (305.256 Km)

Best lap: Barrichello - 1'20''143
(2003, Ferrari)

Record Pole: M. Schumacher - 1'16''364 (2002, Ferrari)

2003 Pole: M. Schumacher - 1'17''762 (Ferrari)

2003 Podium
1. M. Schumacher
2. F. Alonso
3. R. Barrichello

This circuit was built in 1991, after the Spanish Motor federation decided to stop sharing the Spanish Grand Prix between four other tracks. It is situated just north of Barcelona, with a layout better than other modern tracks, because the designer took into consideration that fans preferred to watch overtaking, rather than a parade. The first corner is a sharp right that requires heavy braking, with a large gravel trap to catch those that get it wrong.

Nigel Mansell won in 1991, after Gerhard Berger's engine blew, and Ayrton Senna chose the wrong tyres for the changing conditions. 1992 saw Mansell winning again, with then rookie, Michael Schumacher taking second. Senna came to grief once more, spinning off into the wall with only a few laps to go.

Alain Prost dominated for Williams in 93, ahead of Senna, and in 94, Damon Hill helped make the team smile again after Ayrton's death, taking the win, with Schumacher second. Michael Schumacher won in 95, and dominated 96, in very wet conditions, rising from 6th to the lead by lap 12, and 97 saw Jacques Villeneuve winning for Williams. Mika Hakkinen took the win here three years in succession, 98 and 99 and 2000 with Michael Schumacher victorious for Ferrari in 2001 and 2002.

Michael and the new F2003-GA win the 2003 edition of the Spanish GP. Alonso takes a well deserved and well fought second place with Rubens Barrichello crossing the line in third. Montoya and Ralf claim fourth and fifth for Williams.