Although Jarama cannot lay claim to being the first permanent circuit in Spain (that honour goes to Sitges), by modern standards it effectively can. Designed by John Hugenholtz of Zandvoort and Suzuka fame, the circuit opened its doors in 1967.

The Formula One Spanish Grand Prix was held at the track nine times between 1968 and 1981, whilst the European Touring Car Championship visited 15 times between 1968 and 1988.

Aside from a small change to the Bugatti Esses in 1980, the circuit was largely unchanged until 1990, when the circuit was lengthened at both Turn 1 and from Ascari to Portago in order to improve on-track action at the otherwise short and twisty venue. Elsewhere, the facilities and pitlane were also improved.

The changes failed to bring back international car racing until 2001, when European touring cars returned, although only for two years.

It wasn’t until 2020 when international tin-top action returned, with the circuit hosting TCR Europe due to a late calendar change necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.