SS 1 – Barcelona Special stage guide

3,20 km (asphalt)

Thursday, 13 October 2016 • First car due: 18.06h

General description

For the third consecutive year, this urban stage in the city of Barcelona will be opening the competitive part of the rally. It is a layout that can be defined as slow and with a certain difficulty. The special starts from the lower section of the Montjuïc mountain, in the area of the fairground, with start and finish located on Avenida Reina María Cristina, which is also going to be the location of the pre-start parc fermé, turning the whole area into a must-see.

Spectator areas - Description

Since it is a special stage that has been planned and designed to be enjoyed by as much spectators as possible, the whole special is actually a spectator area, provided that the safety regulations are followed at all times while enjoying the action of the best drivers of the WRC.

The lower section of the special, on Avenida Reina María Cristina, is an ideal place to watch the difference between vehicles and drivers, as it is the start and finish and the passage after the first lap of the two that have to be covered. The central section of the stage, around the Magic Fountain is probably the most attractive, beautiful and large section, allowing for certain mobility. The stairs giving access to Palau Nacional offer impeccable views of a large part of the layout, part of the city skyline and the 180º turn that the cars have to negotiate right in front of the location.

Access/Parking: Walking from the underground station or the bus station at Plaza de España, although you may also access from Calle Lleida or even from Palau Nacional where there is a car park that can be used by fans coming from outside Barcelona. However, if you choose this option, you have to consider that you won't be able to change your position as it is not connected to any other area of the layout.