Race organisers of the Spanish Grand Prix have pleaded with F1 to find a solution to keep the Circuit de Catalunya on the F1 calendar. Rumours that the venue could fall off of the schedule in 2020 in favour of F1’s return to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix have been rife since the announcement.
Earlier this month, Spanish race organisers insisted a new deal is close, telling Race Fans that a new deal was “even more than 90” (per cent close to happening). In a statement released by the Real Automovil Club de Catalunya (RACC) however, a call has been made for the sport to come up with a new solution that will ensure that Spain keeps its race.
“The RACC asks all administrations and the business world consensus and unity of action to achieve the renewal of Formula 1 and thus be able to maintain one of the most important sporting events held every year in the world in our country,” the RACC statement read.
“The Club considers that betting on the continuity of the grand prix in Catalunya is a strategic decision at business, economic and sporting level and that for this reason the best solution must be urgently found. The grand prix has an economic impact on the services, automotive, tourism, transport and leisure sectors of nearly 163 million euros and generates 2700 direct jobs. At the same time, the event is key to the Circuit, one of the most important sports infrastructures in Catalunya. For all the above reasons, the RACC asks the Government of the Generalitat, the Spanish state, the rest of administrations and the business world, collaboration, consensus, strength and unity of action to reach a stable agreement so that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya continues to host F1 in the upcoming years.”
Regarding the furure of another classic event in the F1 calendar, here is still no deal in place for Silverstone to host a British Grand Prix in 2020.
The circuit’s contract expires after the current season, following the activation of a release clause in 2017 which allowed it to see out its contract early due to rising costs. This week, the chairman of the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) John Grant wrote to members, informing them of the progress and current situation Silverstone finds itself in regarding a future in F1.
“Constructive” talks are ongoing, but no official deal has been set in stone as the BRDC continues to negotiate with F1’s commercial rights holders Liberty Media.
In April of this year, several reports emerged that a deal had been signed for Silverstone to remain on the contract until 2022, however the track was quick to deny the stories. Silverstone is one of five venues that are out of contract at the end of the year, with Mexico and Spain set to disappear from the calendar. Germany and Italy are also continuing to negotiate with Liberty Media for a new contract.
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