F1 racing has a colourful history in Barcelona. In the early 50s, two Grand Prix events were held on the city streets on what was known as the Pedralbes track: the longest stretch ran down Avinguda Diagonal. New rules governing spectator safety soon brought an end to the fun but F1 racing returned to the city in 1969 at a circuit around Montjuïc. Tragedy struck in 1975 when an accident killed four spectators, spelling the end for racing on the mountain. Sixteen years later, a new purpose built track at Montmeló played host to the Spanish Grand Prix and Barcelona is now a firm fixture on the F1 calendar. Popularity has soared in recent years, largely due to the success of Spanish driver Fernando Alonso.