Spanish driver and two-time Formula 1 world champion, Fernando Alonso, has given his approval to IndyCar’s decision to hold a race in Barcelona in 2027. However, he has expressed concerns about the international expansion of the competition, warning that it could lead to a significant increase in costs.
IndyCar announced the event on Friday, with the inaugural race, the IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona, scheduled for July 16-18, 2027, to take place at the Barcelona-Catalonia Circuit. This multiyear agreement marks the first return of the series to Europe since 2007 and the first event outside North America since 2013. Moreover, it represents an opportunity for local driver and IndyCar champion, Alex Palou, to race at home.
Alonso’s Comments
In a press conference ahead of this weekend’s F1 race at the Circuit of the Americas, Alonso highlighted the importance of the Barcelona circuit for Spanish motorsport. ‘I believe it will be positive. Obviously, it is a historic event for our country and for Barcelona,’ he said. He echoed the advantages of having a permanent circuit, which allows testing year-round and organizing various competitions such as WEC and MotoGP.
Alonso emphasized that the Barcelona-Catalonia Circuit is essential for the development of young drivers in various categories, stating that ‘without Barcelona, we cannot survive.’ He defended the need for a circuit that can be used for the initial tests of drivers from schools like FRECA, Formula 3, and Moto3.
On IndyCar’s International Expansion
However, when asked if this new race would be a wise step towards IndyCar’s global expansion, Alonso warned that it could be complicated due to the associated costs. ‘IndyCar is very specific to the North American market,’ he commented. ‘One of the most penalizing things in F1 is the travel costs that increase significantly when traveling around the world. It has its advantages and disadvantages.’
Alonso concluded that it is important to keep the series in the United States and limit international expansion to one or two events, warning that he does not believe IndyCar will continue before holding more races outside the country.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_58c5313bf07d15b2d858aef6c4021023b70a39cb