Spain will remain on the Formula 1 calendar in 2020 after the sport announced it’s reached an agreement with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Following talks with the Government of Catalonia, Real Automovil Club de Catalunya and Montmelo Town Council, F1’s owners have agreed to return to the circuit for a 30th straight year.
In a statement released by F1 Media announcing the deal, Chairman and CEO of F1 Chase Carey said: “We are pleased to confirm that the Spanish Grand Prix will be on the calendar of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The decision to continue to stage a round of the pinnacle of motor sport in Spain, a country with a great motor racing tradition, dating back to the start of the last century, is part of our strategy of maintaining Formula 1’s European roots, while also currently expanding the championship into new territories.
“The promoter’s willingness to be part of Formula 1 going into 2020 is proof of the sport’s ability to act as a catalyst for regions to hold world class events and also to have a positive impact on the area’s economy. In the coming months, we will continue our discussions to see if we can further extend this advantageous relationship. In the meantime, I would like to thank Quim Torra, the Catalan President for his vital support in these negotiations, in the hope of celebrating a fantastic 50th Spanish Grand Prix in 2020, the 30th to be held at one of the most technically demanding circuits on the World Championship calendar.”
President of the Government of Calaunya, Quim Torra, added: “Catalonia will be, for the 30th time in a row, host to a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Catalonia is a country with a very long tradition in motor sports, and therefore, we are pleased to have strengthened continue our position as a classic event in the calendar for fans all around the world. Throughout the 30 years, we have integrated this event in the industrial policies of the Government, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is an important a tool to stimulate the economic activity in the country in terms of tourism, as well as in the automobile and entertainment industry. Moreover, it gives us the opportunity to show the world the way Catalans are, how we work and what our country is like.
“For all of these reasons, we welcome the continuity of Formula 1 in our home country. We are grateful for the excellent relationship with Chase Carey, Formula 1 Chairman and CEO, and we are well aware that our current challenge is to make sure that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya keeps up maintains this role, both as economic driver and as a link to our sports and industrial tradition.”
The announcement means there will be at least 22 races on the calendar next year, with the German Grand Prix the only race from 2019 not to have a contract in place for next season, which also sees new races in Vietnam and the Netherlands.