The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is preparing for a unique event. The 6 Hours of Barcelona will take place from October 16th to 18th and will mark the FIA World Endurance Championship's debut at Montmeló. The race will be the penultimate round of the WEC before the end of the season, and comes after the Catalan circuit has also hosted Formula 1 and MotoGP races.
The organization presented the event at a ceremony held next to Barcelona's Olympic Port. Among those present were representatives such as Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the WEC, and Ignasi Armengol, general manager of Fira Circuit. Also in attendance were Catalan drivers Miguel Molina and Dani Juncadella, two names associated with the circuit's young driver program. Their presence will be a major draw for the local public.
An international grill with a Spanish accent
The championship will arrive in Barcelona with fourteen official manufacturers. The organizers emphasize that the same prototypes and GT cars that regularly compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be on display, along with activities for fans beyond the track. The aim is for the experience to extend beyond Sunday's race.
Tickets are now on sale starting at €30. The circuit also offers hospitality packages such as the Endurance Club and Le Mans Spirit Club, designed for those who want to follow the race with added services. Tickets are sold through the circuit's official website.
Molina and Juncadella, two very special returns
Miguel Molina is competing in the race with Ferrari AF Corse. The Catalan driver won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024 and has also secured victories in the WEC. He acknowledges that returning to Montmeló for this championship has an emotional component. His time in the Circuit's junior program was key to his professional career.
Dani Juncadella will compete with Genesis Magma Racing. The Catalan driver already knows what it's like to win at the Montmeló circuit, where he took the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title, and he has also achieved a victory in the WEC. His knowledge of the circuit and his experience with the Genesis car could work in his favor.
The WEC comes after a race marked by rain.
Before arriving in Barcelona, the championship held a round at Fuji Speedway that was affected by bad weather . Qualifying could not take place, and the starting grid was determined by the free practice times. Alpine showed good pace in Japan with both its cars , in a race where rain once again played a major role.
This precedent reinforces the idea that any detail can disrupt the order on the track. Furthermore, a significant public turnout is expected in Barcelona, given that it's a new event and features two local drivers. The combination of novelty, home drivers, and an international grid makes this race a highlight of the season.
The arrival of the WEC at Montmeló is a significant development for Spanish motorsport. The circuit adds a third world championship to its calendar, with Molina and Juncadella as major attractions, affordable tickets, and a top-tier grid. The event is seen as a test to gauge public response and consolidate the track's international presence.