Formula 1 has confirmed that the Spanish Grand Prix will remain at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for next year’s record breaking F1 schedule.
The future of the race had been in doubt following financial difficulties, however, the event has been confirmed after local government funding was secured.
Formula One chairman and chief executive Chase Carey stated:“We are pleased to confirm that the Spanish Grand Prix will be on the calendar of the 2020 FIA Formula One 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 One’s European roots, while also currently expanding the championship into new territories.
“The promoter’s willingness to be part of Formula One 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.”
As a result, Formula 1’s 2020 season could include a record breaking schedule of 22 races, as circuits in Netherlands and Vietnam look set to be added.
Next year’s race in Spain will be the 30th consecutive event at the track to the north of Barcelona, which also hosts F1’s pre-season testing programme.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula 1’s governing body, is yet to publish a provisional calendar for next year’s season with scheduling proving to be a tough logistical challenge.
F1’s longest race season ever is set to kick into gear on March 15th in Melbourne, Australia, with the remaining circuits set to take place in an action packed nine month period before the final race in Abu Dhabi in late November/early December.
