F1 News

Barcelona hoping to remain Spanish GP beyond 2019

Barcelona hoping to remain Spanish GP beyond 2019

13-12-2018 08:04 Last update: 08:22

Bevan Youl

The Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, which currently hosts the Spanish Grand Prix, is about to negotiate contract talks with Liberty Media as to whether they remain the home of the nations Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Barcelona are seeking for better financial conditions in Formula 1, like other historical European races such as Silverstone, Hockenheim and Monza.

"When we face a contract renewal, we must look at our ability to generate revenue, what we pay for the contract, the conditions under which we manage the grand prix -- there are many variables and we will see how it progresses,” said Vincenc Aguilera, boss of Circuit de Catalunya (f1i.com).

"We have to know how to play the cards we have.”

Barcelona relies on subsidies from the local government to be able to meet the demands that F1 has. But, according to Spain’s El Mundo Deportivo, the financial aid could be cut from 2.5m euros to 1.5m euros, meaning that the Catalunya track would have to look for finance elsewhere.

"The health of the circuit is clearly good in its structure, but financially it is mediocre.”

"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."

"We are not able to generate resources and cope with losses due to the current harsh conditions. We need extra contributions."

Circuit de Catalunya will host F1 teams twice nest year in pre-season testing aft the end of February and mid-May for the Grand Prix.

Joan Fontsere convinced F1 teams to return for winter testing after the adverse weather last time.

"It was the hardest negotiation that I have faced to date.”