The Circuit de Catalunya is one of the most spectator friendly circuits anywhere; it is the home circuit of the reigning World Champion; and it's the first of the season's European races. And if that isn't reason enough for any self-respecting F1 fan to go then consider this...it is located half an hour's drive north of Barcelona along the motorway to Girona. Or in other words, two of the best tourist destinations in Europe!

There isn't much to recommend staying near the circuit unless your visit is restricted to the three days of the event - accommodation and attractions are limited. However, with the temptations of Barcelona so close, the short commute to and from the circuit is a small price to pay.

Barcelona has always had its fair share of attractions; most notably the architecture of Gaudi, the art of Picasso, and its other one and a half million inhabitants who daily frequent Barcelona's most famous thoroughfare, La Ramblas. It took the 1992 Olympics to remind people that Barcelona is a worthwhile travel destination - and it isn't about to let us forget Barcelona is a party town.

One thing to get used to is the Siesta/Fiesta clock. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day; you then take it easy for the afternoon before putting in a few more hours of work. The evening meal doesn't start until about 10pm - and by start, I mean it carries on for hours in the form of tapas. The constant grazing on these tasty bits and bites, combined with the constant consumption of sangria accounts for the ‘fiesta' atmosphere. Don't expect any early nights!

Getting there from Australia:
Thai Airways International flies to Barcelona from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth six days a week with convenient connections in Bangkok and either Frankfurt, Zurich, Copenhagen or Madrid. Total travel time is between 22 and 28 hours depending on your home port.

Getting there from the rest of the world:
The Star Alliance have flights originating from all coners of the globe that can get you to Monaco (Nice Airport). http://www.staralliance.com

Accommodation:
The area surrounding the circuit has many small privately run hotels, but to be sure of a place to stay, we recommend the Ibis Barcelona Montmelo-Granollers right next to the circuit. A short distance from the circuit you'll find the Formule1 Barcelona Mollet. It is a budget hotel and suitable if you have your own vehicle. The Novotel Barcelona Sant Joan Despi is the place to stay in Barcelona if you want to be within easy reach of the sights and available transport.

Transportation:By Train:
From Barcelona, the Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona Sants, or Clot rail stations will get you to Montmelo, which is the nearest station to the circuit. Tickets are a little complicated; because Montmelo is in Zone 2, the Bonotren Zone 2 ticket (9.20 Euro) is the best value if you're going to the circuit for all 3 days - it gives you 10 journeys and is valid for 30 days. The train journey takes approximately half an hour from Barcelona to Montmelo.

By Bus:
A special bus service for spectators is available from Passeig Sant Joan 52 - Diputacion. Purchase your return ticket (6.00 Euro) at the ticket office between 07:00 and 13:00 or 15:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday. Check the bus operating hours before purchasing your ticket.

Tickets:
General Admission costs 136 Euro (AUD$220 approx.) for the weekend, with grandstands prices ranging from 215 Euro (AUD$350 approx.) to 533 Euro (AUD$865 approx.).

For tickets and travel recommendations contact Temple Grand Prix on 0433 300 527.

Thai Airways International: 1300 651 960

Accor Hotels: Australia -1300 656 565; NZ - 0800 44 44 22; www.accorhotels.com