IRTA Trophy for ‘Best Grand Prix of 2006’ goes to Catalunya Gran Premi De Catalunya has scored top marks in the ‘Best Grand Prix of 2006’ poll among IRTA teams to win the coveted IRTA Trophy, the third success for the circuit race organisation. The circuit’s first IRTA Trophy was secured in 1992 when the event was run as The Grand Prix of Europe, and the Catalunya GP of 2001 regained the trophy. Three wins over a 14-year period speaks volumes for the race organisation and the staff of the 4.727km Montmelo circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona that hosts the event. Catalunya has set very high standards for itself and has been a constant high scoring contender for the trophy since the circuit was established as a grand prix venue in 1992. In order to secure their well deserved third IRTA Trophy Catalunya had to fend off commendable performances by The Czech Grand Prix and The Grand Prix of Valencia, who placed second and third respectively in the IRTA poll. The top three grands prix of 2006, together with the Italian GP at Mugello, have dominated the IRTA Trophy over the last 14 years. Brno has two IRTA Trophies in the cabinet, Valencia is a three-time winner and Mugello has four wins to its credit. All four circuits are custom built tracks with equal qualities and attributes that have set the high standards demanded by 21st Century MotoGP racing. Competition for the Trophy grows mmore intense each season, with points awarded for every aspect of the event and race organisers have greatly improved on each aspect. Rider’s safety, trackside official’s and medical facilities are of paramount importance in motorsport and Catalunya has exceeded all expectations. Medical facilities at Catalunya equal any found on the championship calendar are second to none with cicuit Doctor Miguel Angel Nalda and his medical staff cooperating whole heartedly with the Clinica Mobile. Montmelo is without doubt, one of the safest circuits on the 18-round grand prix calendar. Track safety is of the highest possible stanard with more than ample run off areas and the pool of marshals at the fast 4.727 km circuit act swiftly and decisively when faced with accidents whether rider low side slide offs or more serious incidents. The race organisation work and in glove with IRTA and is ever ready to find solutions to any difficulties the teams and riders may encounter over the race weekend The on-track facilities are second to none. Montmelo features 46 massive pit boxes measuring 6 x 16 mts, among the very best in motorsport, and a large, more than adequate paddock area with good access points. “We are very happy to have won the IRTA Trophy for the best grand prix of last season. This is indeed an honour for all concerned with the Grand Prix of Catalunya,” said circuit Director Fidel Sust. “For us to win this prestigious trophy three times over such a period of time is a great reward for everybody involved with the event and we wish to thank IRTA and the teams for giving us this accolade. We are all very proud to receive this Trophy but we will not relax. We have set high standards and will continue to do so.” IRTA President Here Poncharal was impressed with the results of the 2006 poll as the top three places were separated by the slightest of margins. “I have been impressed by the intense competition among circuits to win the IRTA Trophy and the fact that the high standards set in recent years have been maintained and improved upon. Voting was very close just a few points between first place and third. With this third IRTA Trophy in 14 years Catalunya has shown a consistent progressive approach to developing both better on-track safety conditions and human resources and we congratulate President Fidel Sust and all staff concerned with running the event at Montmelo and we look forward to another mutually successful event in 2007.” IRTA Trophy Roll of Honour. 1984 Silverstone / GB. 1985 Hockenheim / Germany. 1986 Nurburgring / Germany. 1987 Assen / Netherlands. 1988 Suzuka / Japan. 1989 Donington Park / GB. 1990 Jerez / Spain. 1991 Donington Park / GB. 1992 Catalunya / Spain. 1993 Eastern Creek / Australia. 1994 Eastern Creek / Australia. 1995 Mugello / Italy. 1996 Mugello / Italy. 1997 Mugello / Italy. 1998 Phillip Island / Australia. 1999 Brno / Czech Republic. 2000 Mugello / Italy. 2001 Catalunya / Spain. 2002 Valencia / Spain. 2003 Valencia / Spain. 2004 Brno / Czech Republic. 2005 Valencia / Spain. 2006 Catalunya / Spain.