IndyCar Barcelona start time will be geared to U.S. audiences

The IndyCar Series, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and FOX are preparing to set the start time of next year’s Grand Prix of Barcelona to suit the North American audience.

With Spain’s time zone sitting six hours ahead of the east coast and nine hours clear of the west coast, an early afternoon green flag in Barcelona would require IndyCar’s home viewers to get up exceptionally early, and for FOX to broadcast the race while most of the U.S. is asleep.

IndyCar CEO Mark Miles says the time zones have already been discussed and a plan is being formed to accommodate the series’ primary fan base.

“The most likely scenario is a 6pm start here, noon Eastern time,” Miles told RACER from Spain.

“Maybe one hour earlier or later, but something right in there. Happily, that was that solution was apparent right away. FOX likes it, so that's the stroke.”