IndyCar Set for European Return with 2027 Barcelona Debut
IndyCar is heading to Europe in 2027 with a debut race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This marks the series' first European event since 2007 and comes as Alex Palou dominates the championship.
IndyCar is making a significant leap across the pond in 2027, marking its first visit to Spain with a race scheduled at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This will also be the first time the series ventures outside North America since its Sao Paulo stint in 2013.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a staple of the F1 calendar since 1991, will welcome IndyCar as part of a new arrangement. With F1 shifting its Spanish Grand Prix to alternate years, this creates an opportunity for IndyCar to fill the gap and potentially recoup revenue adjustments from the F1 calendar change.
Catalonia will play host to IndyCar at a time when Alex Palou, a Spaniard himself, is reigning supreme in the championship. Palou, who recently clinched his fifth title in six years, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m so excited to be part of IndyCar’s first race in Barcelona. It means so much to have a race at home, and I know the fans will love it. We’re aiming to put on a great show and hopefully take home the trophy in July.”
IndyCar's history outside North America has seen races in places like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan, with the last European race taking place in Assen, Netherlands, in 2007. The return to Europe is being hailed as an exciting new chapter for the series.
Pau Relat, Chairman of the Board of Fira de Barcelona and Fira Circuit, emphasized the significance of this development: “The arrival of IndyCar is a major milestone and an exciting challenge for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It strengthens our international positioning and connects us with new audiences.”
Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., also shared his enthusiasm: “This is a monumental day for our sport. Bringing IndyCar to Europe, especially to Alex Palou’s hometown, is thrilling. We’ve seen Alex’s incredible talent, and we know fans in Spain have been eager to see him race locally. We can’t wait for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to compete in Barcelona, a breathtaking international destination.”