GENERAL ADMISSION TIPS

If you're heading to the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and have a general admission (GA) ticket, you're in for a treat. The circuit offers some of the best GA viewing areas in Europe, with grassy banks and natural elevations providing excellent views. Here’s a breakdown of each general admission area to help you choose the spot that suits you best.

Turn 3 – Renault Corner
This is one of the most exciting general admission spots at the circuit. Turn 3 is a long, fast right-hand bend where the cars carry a huge amount of speed. From the grassy banks, which are slightly raised, you get a fantastic view of the cars as they sweep through with incredible grip. Because it’s such a popular spot, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to get a good place, especially on race day.

Turn 4 – Repsol
Just after Turn 3 comes Turn 4, and it’s another brilliant place to watch from the grass. The cars come flying out of the fast corner and brake hard for this one, so you can really see the drivers working. The viewing area is slightly elevated here too, which gives you a clear view of the cars turning in. It’s also a great place to take photos and hear the engines roar as they push out of the corner.

Turn 5 – Seat
Turn 5 is a slower corner compared to the ones before it, but that’s what makes it interesting. From the grass banks nearby, you can watch the cars brake deep into the turn and fight for traction on the exit. It’s usually a bit quieter here than the more famous corners, so it’s a good choice if you want a calmer atmosphere while still being close to the action.

Turn 6 Area
Between Turn 5 and Turn 6 is a long stretch of green general admission space. This is one of the more open areas, giving you plenty of room to move about and settle in. It’s a great spot to catch a few different parts of the track from one place. It’s not quite as popular as Turns 3 and 4, but still offers very solid views.

Turn 7, 8 stretching to Turn 9 – Campsa
This part of the track is a favourite for many general admission fans. You can see the cars flow through Turns 7 and 8 as they pick up speed going uphill. Then comes Turn 9, one of the fastest corners on the circuit. The cars take it almost flat out, and it’s amazing to watch. The grassy banks here sit on a natural slope, giving you a wide, clear view as the cars fly past.

Back Straight (between Turn 9 and Turn 10)
Along the back straight, near the section marked “Placo Saint-Gobain”, there’s another patch of green space. It’s a bit less crowded and gives you the chance to watch the cars at full speed just before they slam on the brakes for Turn 10. It’s not as dramatic as some corners, but it’s still exciting and often has more space if you’re arriving later in the day.

Helpful tips

• Get to the gates early, especially on Sunday, because the popular banks fill fast.
• Bring a folding chair or a picnic blanket so you’re comfortable on the grass all day.
• Pack suncream, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water as most GA areas have only little shade.
• Bring a raincoat and an umbrella just in case it rains – general admission areas are exposed and usually get wet first.
• Take food and drinks with you (especially on Sunday) – this way you don’t have to get up as often, and risk loosing your seat.
• If you're not attending the Grand Prix alone, take turns going to get food so that someone always stays behind to hold your spot.
• Use Friday and Saturday sessions to walk the circuit and test different viewpoints.
• Be prepared for a lot of walking throughout the day, both getting to the circuit and moving between viewing areas. Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes and consider packing plasters or blister pads just in case. A small backpack is also handy for carrying essentials without weighing you down.
• However, avoid wearing your nicest shoes – if it rains, the grass and pathways in general admission areas can get muddy and slippery. Stick to practical footwear you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Try to pick a spot that also faces a big screen so you can follow the order and strategy.