The opening of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 1991 saw the Spanish Grand Prix return to Barcelona, where it had been staged on a temporary street circuit until 1975. This new permanent circuit lies to the north of Barcelona, and has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since its opening. The inaugural race was won by Nigel Mansell.

Since 1996 the circuit has also regularly hosted MotoGP's Catalan Grand Prix. Due to its mild weather the Circuit de Catalunya is a popular pre-season test venue. The circuit features long, drawn out turns, which inflict high tire degradation. Good aerodynamics can prove decisive here.