Catalunya named best GP of 2006

It's the third time the Spanish race has received the award following the first one in 1992 when it hosted the Grand Prix of Europe, and another one in 2001.

In order to secure the trophy, the Circuit de Catalunya had to fend off competition from the Czech Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Valencia, who placed second and third respectively in the IRTA poll.

"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."

Points are awarded for every aspect of the event, including rider's safety, trackside officials' and medical facilities.

"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," IRTA President Here Poncharal added. "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."