From a press release issued by IRTA:

Circuit de Catalunya Tops IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix’ Poll 2001

The 4.727km Circuit de Catalunya at Montmelo, Barcelona, has won the much coveted IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix’ trophy for the 2001 World Championship Grand Prix season. The 18th time the IRTA Trophy has been awarded.

In 2001 the grand prix was the tenth successive season a grand prix was contested at the Montmelo, and each year the circuit has received high ratings in the poll. In fact the circuit has previously been awarded the ‘Best Grand Prix’ Trophy, in 1992, the year the inaugural motorcycle grand prix was hosted by the track. The first four grands prix held at Catalunya were run as ‘The European Grand Prix’ before switching to the ‘Grand Prix de Catalunya’ in 1996.

The overall organisation, and the four-day long hands-on assistance delivered by the grand prix staff in 2001, was exceptional. Everybody concerned with the event performed as the teams and riders have come to expect of Catalunya, smoothly, trouble free, and as effectively as always.

Among the riders most favoured circuits the magnificent race track has something for everyone and played a huge part in the IRTA Trophy success. Eight right-hand and five left-hand corners, fast sweeping corners and two long straights provide for exciting close racing. The perfect venue to host a MotoGP.

Jordi Vilajoana, President of Circuit de Catalunya Consortium, has been served well by the circuit staff. Every department involved with the condition of the track, the race organisation and promotion has performed above the required level expected of a grand prix.

Circuit Director Fidel Sust and his team keep the circuit in pristine condition, particularly all aspects relating to the safety of competitors and spectators. In 2001 they had every possible eventuality within their control, providing almost ideal conditions for the teams to race in.

Clerk of the Course Estanislao Soler worked hand in glove with the permanent grand prix officials in control of the event, his calm experienced response to potential difficulties were a major bonus to the successful running of the event.

The circuit medical staff, under the guidance of Prof. Miguel Angel Nalda, performed well, working with their colleagues at the Clinca Mobile. Track-side medical personnel and the track marshals are among the best encountered on the 16 race grand prix calendar, each and every incident was handled in the calm unruffled manner that inspires confidence in competitors.

The 2001 poll was one of the closest of recent years, confirming that grand prix circuit standards have, in general, improved in leaps and bounds in recent years. Very few grand prix circuits have failed to raise their game sufficiently enough to emulate the standards achieved by recent IRTA Trophy winners.

Sito Pons, President of IRTA, was quick to add his own personal praise on hearing the news of the award going to Circuit de Catalunya.

“This is good news for the people at Circuit de Catalunya. As a locally based team we know how hard the circuit has worked to in recent years to become the best. I am really pleased for them, particularly the permanent staff who show a great pride in the circuit and their work. The track is safe, the staff are courteous and helpful and the Doctors and race marshals deserve the highest praise, as do all involved with the grand prix. The circuit is an example of the high standards that can be achieved, if you try hard enough.” Said Pons.

Catalunya narrowly beat off stern challenges from Brno and Valencia, two circuits who have achieved very high standards in recent years by delivering first class events. Brno won the IRTA Trophy in 1999, while Valencia took third place in the 2000 IRTA poll. Multi-award winner Mugello, who headed the 2000 poll, ended in fourth place. Their fall from grace mainly due to the shortcomings of the local infrastructure, difficulties that were not within the circuit’s control.

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