• The site is to become a real environment for testing applied 5G technology, among other things, at mass events such as the Spanish F1 Grand Prix
• The Circuit intends to develop a neutral technology platform upon which to test 5G technologies and applications in different sectors

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and 5G Barcelona, which is an initiative for validating and adopting 5G technology in real environments, have signed a collaboration agreement that will establish the Circuit as a unique 5G laboratory with the capacity for testing this technology 320 days per year. The agreement will specifically encourage progress in the application of 5G technology in sectors such as mobility, entertainment and sport through the development of knowledge on neutral experimental platforms.

In addition to the facility’s ongoing activity throughout the year, its differential value lies in the three world championships held at the site –the Spanish F1® Grand Prix, the Catalonia MotoGP™ Grand Prix and the World Rallycross Championship–, which together attract over 350,000 spectators during the weekend. This combination of factors (sports facilities, technology and massive concentration of people) make Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya one of the world’s leading sites for testing 5G’s most characteristic features such as low latency, bandwidth and edge computing.

During the act of signing, Joan Fontserè, General Director of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, emphasised that this initiative will help to “position the Circuit as a technological benchmark in the development of the 5G network. For us, joining forces with 5G Barcelona amounts to a qualitative leap that will place us at the forefront of connectivity services”. Representing 5G Barcelona, Carlos Grau, CEO of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, added that “we are building an increasingly cohesive ecosystem for testing 5G technology in the region, and are working with leading players such as Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, that attract the world’s attention in their sectors, to create projects with a global impact”.

First joint activities

Implementing the technology platform is also intended to yield possible pilot projects based on an initial pilot trial at the Circuit, which may give rise to independent initiatives. 5G Barcelona and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will therefore work throughout the year to tie the Circuit’s regular activity –training sessions, driving courses and other events- in with entrepreneurs and with the industry of mobility, sport and entertainment.

Likewise, the first workshop for this industry will be held on 12 June this year with a view to identifying needs and to jointly designing new innovative experiences using 5G technology.