By 
Fernando Alonso says this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is likely to be his final appearance at the circuit in Formula 1.
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The Aston Martin driver turns 45 this year. His current contract expires at the end of the season and even if he does race on for another year F1’s next race at the Circuit de Catalunya is not until 2028.
“It’s going to be a special weekend,” said Alonso, “probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1, so I want to say thanks to everyone.”
Despite unexpectedly scoring Aston Martin’s first point of the season in Monaco last week, Alonso does not believe the team has suddenly become more competitive.
“I will try to enjoy the weekend,” he said. “I will not be competitive and I will not be too long in the car in qualifying. In the race, hopefully, yes, but not at the pace that we all want.
“But I want everyone to still enjoy the weekend. It has been always a celebration when they come to Barcelona and people for my 23rd Spanish grand prix and all of them have been magical and this last has to be magical as well.”
Alonso scored his most recent grand prix victory at this track in 2013 and considers his first home win 20 years ago one of his favourite memories of the venue.
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“There were huge expectations for us after winning the championship in ’05,” he said, “and being on pole position, everyone expected us to win on Sunday. I think I will remember that one as a number one memory and many, many things that happened on this weekend.”
“Also my first single-seater test, I think that was back in 1994, my first Renault test [and] my first Benetton test was here as well,” he added.
“And then a few things here and there and moments that I will remember always. I did a lap with Juan Carlos, the king, in the Renault Megane. In turn three I remember he was maybe not that comfortable in the car and I didn’t realise that the King was in the passenger seat.
“So yeah, it’s a special place.”
This article will be updated.
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