Spanish GP - facts and figures.

Round five of the 2003 FIA Formula One World Championship takes place next weekend at Barcelona, in Spain. Here you can find out some relevant facts and figures...

1. Location:

The city of Barcelona [population approx. 1.8 million] with its Mediterranean seaport lies in northeast Spain.

It is the economic and cultural centre of Catalonia and boasts several universities and colleges, as well as numerous museums and cultural monuments.

Among the city's most famous sons is Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaud? (1852-1924), whose legacy includes the uncompleted Sagrada Familia cathedral.

2. History:

Since the debut visit of Formula One in 1951, 32 Grands Prix have been held in Spain at venues including the Circuit de Catalunya (12 GPs), Jarama (9), Jerez (5), Montjuic (4) and Pedralbes (2).

The first GP to be staged in Spain, at Pedralbes on 28th October 1951, was won by Argentinian driver Juan Manuel Fangio in an Alfa Romeo 59.

The first race on a wet Circuit de Catalunya was on 29th September 1991. It was won by Nigel Mansell (GBR) in a WilliamsF1-Renault. In pole position was the ex-BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger (AUT) in a McLaren-Honda.

3. Track length:

The race will comprise 65 laps of 2.940 miles (4.730 km). The race distance is 307.324 kilometres(191.003 miles).

The 2003 Spanish Grand Prix starts at 14:00 hrs local time on Sunday 4th May.

4. Last year:

The winner of last year's Spanish GP was Michael Schumacher for Ferrari. He also claimed pole position (1 minute 16.364 seconds) and set a new lap record (1m 20.355s).