Barcelona will host its first IndyCar race in July 2027, marking the American championship’s return to Europe after more than a decade without racing outside North America.
Fernando Alonso has welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to Spanish motorsport, while cautioning against an overly ambitious international expansion.
The NTT IndyCar Series will make its debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 18 July 2027, with the event scheduled to run from 16 to 18 July. It will be the championship’s first race outside North America in more than a decade and will provide five-time champion Alex Palou with an opportunity to compete in front of his home supporters.
Born in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, just a short distance from the circuit, Palou has established himself as one of IndyCar’s leading drivers since entering the series six years ago.
After spending his debut season with Dale Coyne Racing, the Spaniard joined Chip Ganassi Racing the following year and has since claimed five of the last six championships with the American team.
For Palou, the addition of Barcelona to the calendar carries particular significance.
“I am so happy to be part of the first IndyCar race in Barcelona. It is an incredible opportunity, and it means so much to me to be able to race at home, in Barcelona. It is difficult to put into words.”
The announcement comes during a period of significant change for the Catalan venue.
Since opening in 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has hosted Formula 1 every year. However, that uninterrupted run will end in 2027 following the Spanish Grand Prix’s relocation to Madrid’s new Madring street circuit this season.
Barcelona will therefore be absent from the Formula 1 calendar next year for the first time since the circuit opened, although the championship is scheduled to return in 2028 for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
In the meantime, IndyCar’s arrival will ensure that the venue retains a prominent position on the international motorsport calendar.
The inaugural event will take place between the Formula 1 Grands Prix of Austria at the Red Bull Ring and Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps.
Mark Miles, president and chief executive officer of Penske Entertainment Corporation, which owns IndyCar, described the announcement as a landmark moment for the championship.
“This is a monumental day for our sport. We are delighted to bring our incredibly competitive form of racing, with wheel-to-wheel battles, to Europe and excited to showcase IndyCar in Alex Palou’s home region.”
“We have witnessed Alex’s remarkable talent and abilities for several years, and we know his Spanish supporters have long wanted the opportunity to watch him race in person.”
Alonso: Barcelona Is Essential to Spanish Motorsport
Speaking at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Fernando Alonso welcomed the prospect of IndyCar competing in Spain.
The 45-year-old Aston Martin driver, a two-time Formula 1 world champion who has twice competed in the Indianapolis 500, believes Barcelona’s permanent circuit plays an essential role in developing Spanish motorsport.
“I think it will be a good thing. It is obviously a historic event for our country and for Barcelona.”
“That is the advantage of having a permanent circuit. You have the possibility to test there any day of the year, but also to organise races from different categories.”
“They hosted a WEC race, the FIA World Endurance Championship, last week. Now there will be IndyCar, and they also host MotoGP.”
“That is why, when we compare street circuits with traditional permanent circuits, that is their biggest advantage.”
For Alonso, Barcelona’s importance extends well beyond hosting major international championships.
The availability of a permanent racing facility is particularly valuable for young drivers and riders progressing through the junior categories.
“That is why Barcelona is crucial for motorsport in Spain. We cannot survive without Barcelona.”
“For the junior categories, for people who are going to try their car for the first time, in FRECA, Formula 3 or Moto3, you need to have a circuit where they can go.”
Alonso believes the opportunity to conduct regular testing is fundamental to driver development, making the preservation and continued use of permanent circuits particularly important.
“With IndyCar, we have another example of how fortunate we are.”
Alonso Urges IndyCar to Preserve Its American Identity
Although Alonso supports IndyCar’s return to Europe, he expressed reservations about the prospect of a much broader international expansion.
Asked whether taking the championship to more destinations around the world would make strategic sense, the Spaniard pointed to IndyCar’s traditionally American identity and the logistical challenges associated with global racing.
“It is possible. IndyCar is very specific to the American market.”
“One of the most difficult things in F1, for both drivers and teams, is travelling around the world and the costs becoming very high.”
“So there are advantages and disadvantages.”
“I think they need to keep their base in the United States, in a way, and organise one or two races elsewhere. But I do not think they will continue expanding into other regions.”
His comments underline the distinction between welcoming selected international events and pursuing a larger global calendar.
While Barcelona’s addition represents an important opportunity for IndyCar and Spanish motorsport, Alonso believes the championship should remain primarily focused on its established American base.
IndyCar’s 2027 Calendar
The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season will feature 17 races across 16 events, including a double-header weekend at Milwaukee.
Barcelona’s inaugural race, scheduled for Sunday, 18 July, will be one of the championship’s most significant international additions, offering Palou the chance to compete on home soil while bringing IndyCar back to European audiences.
2027 IndyCar Series Calendar
| Dates | Event | Circuit Type |
|---|---|---|
| March 5–7 | St. Petersburg | Street circuit |
| March 12–13 | Phoenix | Oval |
| March 19–21 | Arlington | Street circuit |
| April 2–4 | Barber Motorsports Park | Road course |
| April 16–18 | Long Beach | Street circuit |
| May 14–15 | Indianapolis Road Course | Road course |
| May 30 | Indianapolis 500 | Oval |
| June 4–6 | Detroit | Street circuit |
| June 12–13 | World Wide Technology Raceway | Oval |
| June 25–27 | Road America | Road course |
| July 2–4 | Mid-Ohio | Road course |
| July 16–18 | Barcelona-Catalunya | Road course |
| July 30 – August 1 | Portland | Road course |
| August 13–15 | Markham | Street circuit |
| August 27–28 | Milwaukee – Race 1 | Oval |
| August 29 | Milwaukee – Race 2 | Oval |
| September 3–5 | Laguna Seca | Road course |
