"As long as we have it, nobody else will." This phrase was often repeated by former president Artur Mas in debates and meetings about the future of Formula 1 in Catalonia. Since the Circuit de Montmeló – now the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – hosted the race for the first time in 1991, the Catalan government considered it a priority to maintain the circus in Catalonia, even though the cost was high. But the various changes in government and F1's multi-million euro demands strained the situation and generated doubts among the organizers, who weren't entirely sure if it was really worth investing in this competition, even though the financial return was also very high.

Marc Márquez publicly explained on Thursday that he didn't want to gain another 10 points in the World Championship standings over his brother at this Catalan Grand Prix because that would mean Àlex hadn't had a good weekend at home. However, these 10 points would give Marc a match point at the San Marino Grand Prix. to mathematically become Moto GP world championMarc's wish seemed to have come true when Alex took the lead alone in the sprint race, but the younger Márquez brother crashed at Turn 10 with just three laps remaining. Thus, Marc took the win, extending his lead at the top of the standings to 12 points. If Alex doesn't do better than Marc in the long race tomorrow, Sunday, it'll be a game-changer for the next race.

The Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix at the end of April marked a turning point in the way Marc Márquez handles the media attention during this period of dictatorial dominance that will lead him, barring a serious accident, to winning a world championship again six years later, having risen from the ashes. At the Jerez Circuit, those around him realized there were too many people hanging around Marc during Grand Prix weekends. Media, guests (one of those who attended was tennis player Carlos Alcaraz), fans... So, Ducati, his team, took measures so he could focus more on the competition.

Formula 1 arrives this weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with many uncertainties about the future of the competition in Montmeló. For now, there is an agreement until 2026, and negotiations are underway to extend the contract for several more years. However, the arrival of Madrid on the calendar is a thorn in the side because it is very rare for a country to host two World Championship events. However, the managers of the Catalan track are optimistic and trust that the talks will come to a successful conclusion.