First visit to Europe in 20 years – IndyCar to race in Barcelona in 2027

IndyCar is expanding its global presence in a historic way, announcing a high-profile international event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain as the centrepiece of the second phase of the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series calendar.

The first IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona is scheduled for Sunday 18 July, bringing North America’s leading open-wheel racing series to Spain for the first time. This sets the stage for a spectacular homecoming for Barcelona-born, five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing.

The multi-year agreement with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya marks the first NTT IndyCar Series race outside North America since 2013, when James Hinchcliffe won on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. The event also signals a return of the IndyCar Series to Europe, where the last race was held in 2007 at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands.

“This is a significant day for our sport,” said Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp. “We are delighted to be bringing our highly competitive, wheel-to-wheel racing to Europe, and we are thrilled to be presenting the IndyCar Series in Alex Palou’s home town. We have been watching Alex’s remarkable skills and talent for several years now and know that his fans in Spain have been eagerly waiting to see him race live. We can’t wait to see the NTT IndyCar Series take to the track at one of the world’s most famous motorsport venues, set against the backdrop of such a historic and breathtaking international destination as Barcelona.”

The 29-year-old Spaniard, Palou, secured his fifth NTT IndyCar Series championship title in 2026, making him only the second driver in the series’ history, after Sébastien Bourdais (2004–07), to win four consecutive titles. With five championships in six years and 25 career victories, Palou ranks 17th on the list of drivers with the most all-time wins in the series. Only A.J. Foyt (seven) and Scott Dixon (six) have won more INDYCAR SERIES championships.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be taking part in the first IndyCar race in Barcelona,” said Palou. “This is a fantastic opportunity, and it means so much to me to race here at home in Barcelona – it’s hard to put into words. I know the fans will love it, and I believe we’ll put on a brilliant show. Together with the Chip Ganassi Racing team, we’ll do our very best to bring the trophy home in July.”

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, just outside Barcelona, has been an integral part of the international motorsport scene since it opened in 1991. The renowned street circuit has hosted some of the world’s most prestigious racing series, including the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and MotoGP, and is known for its combination of high-speed corners, technical sections and a challenging track layout.

The inclusion of Barcelona marks another significant milestone for the IndyCar Series, which continues to introduce its fast-paced and highly competitive racing format to new audiences whilst building on its growing momentum.

“The arrival of IndyCar is an important milestone and an exciting challenge for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,” said Pau Relat, Chairman of the Board of Fira de Barcelona and Fira Circuit. “Bringing one of the most prestigious and spectacular championships in global motorsport to our venue strengthens our international standing, connects us with new audiences and markets, and underpins our strategy to diversify the circuit’s activities through world-class events. We are working with a long-term vision to make the Barcelona IndyCar Grand Prix a flagship event on the international racing calendar for years to come.”

IndyCar 2027 race calendar: