Barcelona to Host 2019/20 Prologue

Photo: Dirk Bogaerts/SRO

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host the Prologue for the 2019/20 FIA World Endurance Championship season, series officials announced on Thursday.

The event, scheduled for July 24-25, comes on the week following the new-for-2019 European Le Mans Series round at the Spanish circuit, and just five weeks after the 2018/19 season-ending round at Le Mans.

It occurs mid-week, on the Wednesday and Thursday of race week for the Total 24 Hours of Spa.

Barcelona will become the third different venue to host the WEC’s pre-season test, following events at Paul Ricard and Monza since 2013, which have all taken place in the spring.

The move to mid-summer accommodates the WEC’s ‘reverse’ schedule, which begins at Silverstone in September and concludes with the 24 Hours of Le Mans the following June.

The 2019/20 schedule, which includes the return of Bahrain and Interlagos, was confirmed in September.

Rookie Test Set for Bahrain Return

Bahrain will return to host the 2019/20 Rookie Test, on Dec. 15, 2019, the day following the Eight Hours of Bahrain, which serves as the fourth round of the season.

WEC-nominated drivers will be awarded a minimum of 30 laps during the way, with five hours of available track time, which will be open to all teams.

A rookie test is not on the schedule this season, largely believed to be due to logistics involving the ‘Super Season’ calendar.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John