Barcelona is poised to continue hosting Formula 1 races in a rotational agreement with Madrid, ensuring the city remains a key player in the future of European Grand Prix events.
A new agreement to keep Formula 1 in Barcelona beyond 2026, when Madrid takes over as the official host of the Spanish GP, is “just as close” as it was a few months ago.
This is according to Oriol Sagrera, the new CEO of the Circuit de Catalunya, host of the Spanish GP since the early 90s.
“We still have plenty of time to finalize the renewal details,” he said this week.
His comments come as the circuit announces a deal with Fira de Barcelona, the city’s trade fair and exhibition institution. A new company, Fira Circuit, is now in charge of managing the Formula 1 circuit activities for the next 20 years.
The director of Fira de Barcelona, Constanti Serrallonga, downplayed the idea that negotiations for a new F1 contract with Liberty Media could fail following Madrid’s arrival. He clearly suggests that this contract will likely be linked to an alternating agreement (every other year) with another Grand Prix.
“Not at all. And even if that were to happen, the envisioned scenario is that Fira could help enhance the circuit’s activity beyond Formula 1.”
“It makes sense in any scenario.”
“The agreement is for 20 years between Fira and the circuit, whether the future is with or without F1. But we hope to have F1 for many years. An agreement is just as close as it was a few months ago but F1 wants to announce plans for future European Grands Prix (an alternating system).”
Barcelona Set to Rotate F1 Hosting with Madrid. Barcelona Set to Rotate F1 Hosting with Madrid
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