At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a new initiative called CircuitX is turning one of Europe’s most famous racetracks into a live demonstration of how 5G, AI and advanced connectivity can reshape motorsport operations and the fan experience.

The three-year project, launched by the GSMA Foundry together with Fira Circuit and Mobile World Capital, aims to showcase how mobile networks can support everything from real-time race telemetry to drone security and immersive fan experiences. The initiative debuted with a series of demonstrations at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ahead of MWC26 Barcelona.

The venue itself is increasingly positioned as a technology showcase. Managed by Fira Circuit since 2025, the track is being developed as a hub for innovation and next-generation motorsport infrastructure. CircuitX forms a central part of that transformation.

“CircuitX is more than a showcase; it’s a blueprint for the future of connected experiences,” said John Hoffman, chief executive of GSMA Ltd. “By integrating mobile technology into motorsport and entertainment, GSMA and its partners aim to set new standards for safety, efficiency and fan engagement.”

At the centre of the demonstrations is connectivity. Spanish operator Telefónica is providing the 5G network infrastructure underpinning all of the trials, enabling a range of applications that depend on low latency and reliable bandwidth.

These include live telemetry streaming from race vehicles, remote driving demonstrations and drone operations across the circuit.

Race telemetry and connected vehicles

One of the key demonstrations comes from timing and data specialist Al Kamel Systems, which is showcasing how ultra-low latency networks could change race management.

The company’s 5G onboard system transmits live footage from a Formula E vehicle directly to a broadcast centre, illustrating how future car-to-track communications could operate. The system is supported by partners including Ericsson, Semtech and Telefónica.

The aim is to show how faster data transmission could enable instant incident detection and more dynamic race strategies.

Formula E itself is also part of the showcase, with its Gen3 EVO race car demonstrating the performance capabilities of electric motorsport. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.82 seconds, while connectivity systems feed telemetry and camera data back to viewing platforms around the circuit.

Some of that data is used to power immersive fan experiences. Through a collaboration with Into Reality, live 360-degree camera feeds and telemetry data from the track are streamed to virtual reality headsets at the circuit and even to children at Barcelona’s SJD Children’s Hospital.

Remote driving and AI applications

Connectivity is also enabling more experimental applications. Mobility technology company Elmo is demonstrating real-time teledriving, allowing visitors to remotely drive a vehicle around the circuit’s service roads using a driving rig located in the pit lane lounge. The system relies on low-latency 5G connectivity and network quality APIs from Nokia to ensure stable remote control.

Elsewhere, NTT Data is presenting AI-enabled applications designed to enhance operations, safety and the spectator experience. These systems analyse live data to generate insights that can be delivered to fans via digital platforms both inside and outside the venue.

Connectivity also plays a role in the physical management of the circuit itself. Barcelona Drone Center is demonstrating unmanned aircraft systems used for perimeter security, crowd monitoring and industrial mapping. The drones operate over the 5G network, transmitting live telemetry and video feeds while geofenced flight zones maintain safe operations.

The technology highlights how the infrastructure supporting motorsport events is expanding beyond the track to include aerial monitoring and real-time data platforms.

Building the connected venue

For the partners involved, CircuitX is as much about venue technology as motorsport.

Wireless infrastructure company MatSing is demonstrating its RF lens antenna technology, designed to deliver high-capacity wireless coverage across large venues. The technology is already deployed in stadiums and event spaces around the world to support dense connectivity demands.

Meanwhile, technology firm Prospeed is presenting a video streaming and race marshalling system used in Porsche Cup safety cars, illustrating how real-time telemetry can support track management during races.

The broader goal is to explore how mobile networks can support complex event environments where thousands of devices, cameras and sensors operate simultaneously.

According to Ignasi Armengol, the initiative reflects a broader ambition to turn the Barcelona circuit into a centre for technology experimentation.

“CircuitX is a new example of how Fira Circuit aims to push the boundaries of our racetrack and make it a hub of innovation capable of transforming companies and industries,” he said.

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