Question 1

How to get to the circuit?

Accepted Answer

Take Metro Line 8 from central Madrid (Nuevos Ministerios) directly to Aeropuerto T4 or IFEMA — a 20-minute ride costing €5 with the airport supplement. The IFEMA Madrid exhibition district is the circuit's host venue, and Metro is the fastest option: it runs every 3–4 minutes on race day. Taxis and Uber add 25–40 minutes in race-day traffic. Driving is strongly discouraged — parking near the circuit is restricted on race weekend. From Madrid Barajas Airport (Terminal 4), the circuit is a 5-minute Metro hop or 8-minute walk.

Question 2

When to arrive at the track?

Accepted Answer

Arrive 90 minutes before each session. For Saturday Qualifying (16:00 start), gates open at 10:00 — get in by 14:30 to secure your grandstand position and explore the fan village. For Sunday's Race (15:00 start), be inside the circuit by 12:30; the pre-race grid walk atmosphere and support series action from 11:00 onward are worth the early entry. Friday sessions are less crowded — arriving 45 minutes ahead is sufficient for FP1 and FP2.

Question 3

What to do between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Friday's 2.5-hour gap between FP1 (ends 14:30) and FP2 (starts 17:00) is perfect for the IFEMA fan zone, team merchandise stores, and the circuit's food village — all on-site. On Saturday, the 3-hour gap between FP3 (ends 13:30) and Qualifying (16:00) gives just enough time to Metro into Sol or La Latina for a proper tapas lunch and be back by 15:00. On Sunday, arrive early and use pre-race hours for the driver parade (typically 13:30) and grid walks available through certain ticket tiers.

Question 4

Where to eat near the circuit?

Accepted Answer

Inside the circuit, expect elevated Spanish fast-food: bocadillos, paella stations, and churros with chocolate — budget €12–18 per meal. For a sit-down lunch, the nearest restaurant cluster is a 10-minute Metro ride in Canillejas or Ciudad Lineal, with solid Spanish menú del día options at €12–15 for three courses including wine. For the full Madrid experience, ride 20 minutes to La Latina (Sunday) or Malasaña (Friday evening after FP2) — Bar Txirimiri, Casa Lucio, and El Anciano Rey de los Vinos are local institutions. Book Friday and Saturday dinner restaurants at least 3 weeks ahead during race week.

Question 5

What is the expected weather?

Accepted Answer

Madrid in September is reliably warm and sunny: expect 26–31°C during afternoon sessions, dropping to 18–20°C after sunset. September is one of Madrid's driest months — historically fewer than 4 rain days in the entire month — so wet-weather races are rare but not impossible. Sunscreen is essential; the circuit offers limited natural shade. Bring a light jacket for evening sessions and night fan-zone events. The 15:00 Sunday race start means peak afternoon heat — hydration is critical. UV index regularly hits 8–9 in September.

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