European Le Mans - 4 Hours of Barcelona Bronze Test

The 4 Hours of Barcelona Bronze Test serves as an official pre-season test for the European Le Mans Series at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This test session takes place at the renowned Spanish circuit in Montmeló, located 32 kilometers north of Barcelona in Catalonia. The ELMS uses this test to prepare teams and drivers for the competitive season ahead at this versatile racing facility.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya opened in September 1991 and spans 4.657 kilometers with 14 corners. The track combines high-speed straights with technical low-speed sections, creating a balanced challenge for prototype and GT cars. The circuit capacity reaches 140,700 spectators. Main overtaking zones appear at Turn 1 and Turn 10. The La Caixa hairpin received modifications in 2021, and the track adopted a new final corner configuration in 2023, using a sweeping curve instead of the previous chicane.

The European Le Mans Series features four racing classes: LMP2, LMP2 Pro/Am, LMP3, and LMGT3. The series operates under the governance of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. Team champions and runners-up earn automatic entries to the 24 Hours of Le Mans the following year. Many drivers use ELMS as a pathway to the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The 4 Hours of Barcelona Bronze Test allows teams to evaluate their cars, test setups, and refine strategies on this demanding circuit. The multi-class format brings together prototype and grand touring cars on track simultaneously. ELMS regulations include cost control measures, with price caps on LMP2 cars to maintain competitive balance across the field.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was built to promote motorsport and support the Spanish automotive industry. The venue hosted its first race, a Spanish Touring Car Championship round, in 1991. The circuit served as the start and finish point for the road team time trial cycling event at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The track holds an FIA Grade 1 license and ranks among Europe's busiest racing facilities.

The ELMS test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya provides valuable track time before the competitive season begins. Teams gather data on tire performance, fuel consumption, and aerodynamic efficiency. Drivers familiarize themselves with car behavior through the circuit's varied corner types. The Bronze Test represents a critical preparation opportunity for all participants in the European Le Mans Series season ahead.