Barcelona organisers: 'We must play our cards right' to get a new F1 contract

The Spanish Grand Prix organisers want a new Formula 1 contract with discussions set to take place in March/April. However, the organisers are aware Liberty Media have other interests and know they must use their cards correctly to pull a deal out of the bag.

Vicenc Aguilera, the Circuit de Catalunya boss, won negotiation talks to keep F1 testing at his track despite stronger appeals elsewhere. He's hoping to sit down with the F1 boss within "three or four months".

"We are working on it, but we have to do things right. The goal is to renew, but the game is yet to be played. We have to know how to play the cards we have," Aguilera said in an interview on onestopstrategy.

Many legendary tracks such as Silverstone, Monza and Hockenheim are in danger of dropping off the calendar due to financial issues. Despite wanting to renew, Aguilera stressed they are facing the same troubles. The government has cut funding for the event from €2.5 million to €1.5 million.

"The health of the circuit is clearly good in its structure, but financial it is mediocre. We are not able to generate resources and cope with losses due to the current harsh conditions. We need extra contributions," he added.

"We have had an agreement that has lasted three years, and now we have to consider what to do for 2020. In 2019 there are elections right after the Grand Prix, and we will see what happens."