Barcelona could be granted by Formula 1 a one-year extension to its contract to host the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya, saving the race’s presence on the calendar for 2020.
The Spanish round of the F1 world championship is believed to be in jeopardy along with Germany and Mexico, with just one of the three races expected to secure its spot on the sport’s 21-race schedule next season.
However, a report from Motorsport.com contends that the Spanish Grand Prix promoters are currently in talks with Liberty Media for a one-year extension to the Circuit de Catalunya’s deal with F1.
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A short-deal would buy some time for the event and allow its promoters to negotiate a longer-term agreement with F1’s commercial rights holder.
However, for today’s report, the Circuit de Catalunya issued a statement clarifying its position, insisting no agreement had yet been reached with F1.
The following statement is made in respect of the news published today in the media, regarding Formula 1® at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya:
1. No agreement has been reached yet with Formula 1 in order to renew the agreement for the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
2. The negotiations for the renewal of the agreement with Formula 1 continue, and are still open.
3. As soon as an agreement has been reached, whether for the renewal or the non-renewal, it will be made known officially through the usual channels used by Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Barcelona’s situation therefore appears fluid, while the status of F1’s negotiations with Hockenheim and Mexico is unknown.
Should the Spanish race secure its short-term future its uncertain when the event would take place as its traditional spring date is expected to be taken by the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
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