Alonso factor draws huge home support 14 May 2007
The popularity of Formula One racing in Spain - and in particular world champion Fernando Alonso - generated massive crowds at the Circuit de Catalunya over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Thursday saw 28,000 fans visit the Barcelona venue to enjoy the pre-race festivities, while Friday - the first day of Formula One practice - attracted 67,000 spectators. A further 119,000 were present to see Alonso clinch a front-row grid slot on Saturday and on Sunday attendance rose to 140,700 for the race.
The total figure for the Grand Prix was thus 354,700 over the four days - higher than for the 2006 race.
