Catalonia’s Motorway: A Weekend at Montmeló and the Heartbeat of Barcelona Racing

Enthusiastic, confident, and highly educated, he observed: “When no one else rode, in Barcelona we were already on a motorcycle.” The promoter behind the Motorcycle World Cup, and the creator of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, spoke at the Doğan Culture and Memory Center in the city, one of the most charismatic venues in Barcelona, as part of the weekend’s events.

“There is no European city behind us, not even Rome, where motorcycles per capita outnumber those in Barcelona,” he remarked, keeping a brisk, competitive tone. He spoke during the Catalan Motorcycle Grand Prix presentation, set to unfold this weekend at the stunning Montmeló circuit with its modern facilities.

MotoGP riders qualify for the America’s Sailing Cup

And while the focus was on Catalonia’s long history of motorcycle manufacturing and innovation, the conversation also touched on the practical realities that shaped the region. A classic, decades-old, non-polluting motorcycle—carefully maintained and ready for the road—was chosen for a trip to Mallorca, illustrating the blend of heritage and modern mobility that defines Barcelona’s motorcycle culture.

city ​​of motorcycle

Despite the city’s current spotlight on the Catalan GP, the message remained clear: Barcelona owes a deep debt to Carmelo Ezpeleta for naming Catalonia so prominently in the world of motorsport. He was among the first to bring attention to Catalonia’s strong identity in racing.

This year’s GP title celebrates a passion that resonates across the region. In a setting steeped in history, the organizers, supporters, and local policymakers who believe in the value of Formula 1 and MotoGP help drive Catalonia’s appeal to fans from around the world. The event also highlights the presence of standout riders like the Espargaró brothers and notable talents such as Alex Marquez.

“We were already on motorcycles in Barcelona when no one else was on a motorcycle”

— Leadership and organizers of the Circuit de Catalunya

Interest in the track’s legacy and Catalonia’s motorcycling heritage was palpable. The discussions touched on Pedralbes and Montjuïc where legends were born, including the Spaniard who first won a Grand Prix in 1968. The atmosphere combined racing’s historical pride with the festive energy fans bring to race days, a contrast to the quiet days outside the track and the memorable moments watched back at home on screens.

Officials from the Barcelona city council recalled their ongoing commitment to the region’s branding, emphasizing how Barcelona’s identity is intertwined with racing and speed. They underscored preparations for major events like the America’s Cup, noting that racing remains central to the city’s character. The sentiment was clear: Barcelona, motorcycling, and racing form an inseparable trio that fits perfectly with the city’s DNA.

Officials from the Circuit and regional leadership anticipated continued improvements to the Montmeló venue, aiming to position it among Europe’s best tracks and, indeed, among the world’s top racing circuits. The focus is not just on competition but on sustainability and accessibility, ensuring fans, teams, and riders experience the sport at its best while respecting environmental considerations.

As the riders prepared for action, some recalled the unique thrill of racing at home. One instructor recalled the roar of engines in Montmeló from classroom windows during school years, a memory that still stirs ambition and fuels a lifelong passion for the sport.

“Barcelona is the DNA of the city’s motorcycle culture and racing,” a local brand leader affirmed. The sentiment was echoed by others who acknowledged the region’s rich history and its continued vitality in contemporary motorsport. The shared hope is that the city will continue to cultivate this distinctive identity, drawing fans and talent from across the globe.

The Espargaró family drew attention for their ongoing presence in the sport. Aleix Espargaró spoke with resolve about competing at the highest level and the hard-won experience that comes with each race. His brother Marc noted the thrill of racing alongside his sibling and the way rivalry and camaraderie blend on the track, a dynamic that heightens the weekend’s excitement for spectators and fellow riders alike.

Aleix Espargaró, carrying the season’s symbolism, prepares for a weekend of competition

Àlex Márquez, racing with the renowned Gresini Ducati squad, spoke about the challenge and joy of competing against the sport’s elite. The brothers’ exchanges offered a human dimension to the on-track battles, underlining how familial ties and professional rivalry coexist in MotoGP’s high-stakes world. The weekend’s events also highlighted the support from fans who continue to follow their favorites with unwavering enthusiasm.

“These are tough times. My brother? I can’t even see with binoculars, thank goodness it’s always ahead”

— Marc Márquez

The Márquez brothers reflected on past triumphs and the different weather and track conditions that influence performance. Their insights underscored how consistency, teamwork, and fan support contribute to shaping a rider’s trajectory. The weekend’s narrative wove together personal stories, race strategy, and Catalonia’s enduring love affair with speed, creating a compelling chapter in the region’s motorsport history.