IndyCar will return to Europe for the first time in two decades after Penske Entertainment secured a ten-year agreement to race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, beginning with a weekend event from July 16 to 18, 2027.
Ten-Year Agreement Brings IndyCar Back to Europe
The deal between Penske Entertainment and circuit management establishes a decade-long commitment to host the American open-wheel championship in Spain. Mark Miles, president and chief executive officer of Penske Entertainment, stated that the circuit and Barcelona will become the series’ new home in Europe.
This upcoming fixture marks IndyCar’s first appearance on the European continent since 2007, when the series competed at the circuit in Assen in the Netherlands during the Champ Car era. It also represents the championship’s first race outside North America since a 2013 event in São Paulo, Brazil, won by James Hinchcliffe.
🚨| Barcelona to Host IndyCar as F1 Rotation Begins:— The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has secured a deal to bring IndyCar racing to Europe, filling the gap left by F1's new rotation policy. This move follows the success of Spanish driver Alex Palou, who has become a… pic.twitter.com/AHnwT9qoVb
For the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the multi-year partnership expands its international motorsport calendar. The announcement arrives as the venue prepares for changes to its traditional Formula 1 hosting schedule, ensuring continuous major open-wheel racing activity through the next decade.
Àlex Palou Celebrates Homecoming at His Formative Circuit
The race holds distinct personal significance for Àlex Palou, who grew up driving at the track through the Programa de Joves Pilots. Palou, who races for Chip Ganassi Racing, captured five titles in six seasons and enters the new partnership with 25 career victories.
Traer la IndyCar a Barcelona lo veía algo imposible. Es que ni soñaba con ello porque no era posible,
Palou said, reflecting on the announcement that he will compete in the premier American category before his home fans at the very venue where he learned to race.
Pau Relat, chairman of the board of directors of Fira de Barcelona and Fira-Circuit, emphasized the broader regional impact of the agreement. Relat noted that hosting the championship opens new avenues for growth and connects the facility with fresh audiences and commercial partners.
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘼𝙈𝙀𝙍𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙉 𝘿𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙈 ✨️For the first time ever, @IndyCar is coming to the Circuit. @IndyCar is coming to Barcelona. 🙌July 18, 2027Be there!!! pic.twitter.com/7QmMYZIwBf
Palou Races at Home in Barcelona
The July 16–18, 2027 race weekend slots into the second half of the IndyCar season. With a contract spanning ten years, the event provides long-term stability for the championship’s overseas expansion efforts.
Palou’s career achievements place him among the sport’s most successful drivers, trailing only A.J. Foyt with seven titles and Scott Dixon with six. The upcoming Barcelona fixture provides the Spanish driver with his first opportunity to contest a premier IndyCar race on home soil.
