IndyCar announces race in Barcelona

The NTT IndyCar Series has confirmed that it will travel to Spain for a race on July 18, 2027, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The announcement, first reported earlier this week and confirmed on Friday, comes as part of a multi‑year deal with the track, according to the series’ press release. IndyCar officials described the move as a "monumental day" for the sport, noting that it will bring the ultra‑competitive brand of wheel‑to‑wheel racing to Europe for the first time in more than a decade.

Significance of the move

IndyCar has run almost exclusively in North America for the past decade, with its last overseas race taking place in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2013. The Barcelona event will be the first time the series races in Spain and the first time it has competed outside North America since the 2007 Assen race in the Netherlands. While the exact format of the event—whether it will be a championship round or a non‑points exhibition—remains to be clarified, the series has said it will fit the race into the middle of the summer season.

Alex Palou, a Spanish driver, is from Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, a municipality near Barcelona. His popularity and fan base in Spain were cited as key factors in securing the venue and the series' move to Europe. Palou expressed excitement about racing in his hometown, saying he hopes local fans will enjoy the show.