Official: IndyCar Heads to Europe Next Year at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
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The premier American open-wheel championship has announced a historic addition to its 2027 racing calendar. For the first time, IndyCar will stage an official race at Spain's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The inaugural IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona is scheduled for Sunday, July 18, 2027, serving as a marquee event in the latter part of the season. The race not only marks the series' debut on Spanish soil, but also an emotional homecoming for five-time champion Alex Palou, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing.
The multi-year deal with the Montmeló circuit signifies IndyCar's first international race outside North America since 2013, when James Hinchcliffe won on the streets of São Paulo. It also marks the championship's return to Europe for the first time since the 2007 race at TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands.
Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., described the move as a major milestone in the championship's global growth.
"This is a historic day for our sport. We are thrilled to bring our brand of fierce, wheel-to-wheel racing to Europe and showcase IndyCar in Alex Palou’s home country. We have witnessed his incredible talent for years and know how eager his Spanish fans have been to see him race live. We cannot wait for IndyCar to debut at one of the world's most iconic circuits, set against the backdrop of an extraordinary, historic city like Barcelona."
Palou clinched his fifth IndyCar championship title in 2026. The milestone made him only the second driver in the series' history to secure four consecutive titles, matching the record Sébastien Bourdais set between 2004 and 2007. With five championships across six seasons and 25 career wins, the Spaniard sits tied for 17th on the all-time victory list. Only racing icons A.J. Foyt with seven and Scott Dixon with six have claimed more titles.
The Spanish driver expressed his immense excitement at the chance to race in front of his home crowd.
"I am incredibly thrilled to be part of IndyCar’s first-ever race in Barcelona. It is a fantastic opportunity, and competing at home means the world to me—words can hardly describe it. I am confident the fans will love it and that we will put on a great show. Alongside the Chip Ganassi Racing crew, we will give it everything to bring home the trophy in July."
Located just outside the Catalan capital, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has hosted world-class events such as Formula 1 and MotoGP since opening in 1991, boasting a dynamic blend of high-speed sweepers and technical sectors.
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