Formula 1 organisers look set to add a new circuit to the calendar with Madrid firming as a new host city in 2026.
Reports out of Europe indicate Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya will not have its contract renewed beyond the current deal, which expires in 2026.
Spain's capital city is reportedly on the verge of signing a 10-year deal for F1 to race on a new, purpose-built, semi-permanent circuit.
READ MORE: Twist in ugly feud as Johnson cut from key role
READ MORE: 'Devastated': Former Mr Universe dead aged 57
READ MORE: Players 'fuming' over NRL grand final star's looming exit
There are conflicting reports out of Europe with suggestions from Spanish outlet El Mundo that Madrid's inclusion would come at the expense of Barcelona.
Motorsport.com reports Barcelona and Madrid could each host F1 races in 2026. However, beyond that there are doubts about Barcelona's future on the calendar.
The trademarks 'Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix' and 'Madrid Grand Prix' were registered earlier this year.
"You can never say never in life, of course, but two races in Spain is very complicated," F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said when news emerged of Madrid's bid.
"There is great interest (from Madrid), but it is also true that we are focused at the moment on Barcelona, which has a contract, and the relationship is strong."
F1 is not averse to countries hosting more than one grand prix.
The United States currently hosts three with the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas as well as the Miami Grand Prix and Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Spain has hosted two grands prix previously. Between 2008 and 2012 the Spanish Grand Prix was held in Barcelona alongside the European Grand Prix in Valencia.
There was talk of Madrid and Barcelona each hosting the Spanish Grand Prix biannually, though it appears that prospect has vanished.
A facility built around the IFEMA convention centre has been mooted for Madrid with mock designs of the venue breaking cover.
https://twitter.com/joesaward/status/1731947948961870153https://twitter.com/joesaward/status/1731950718217523461
The circuit looks likely to incorporate streets and purpose-built sections.
The new circuit has been likened to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve where the Canadian Grand Prix is hosted – a purpose-built facility more akin to a street circuit with its narrow passages.
It would mark the first time since 1981 that Spain's capital has held an F1 race.
Circuit del Jarama first hosted F1 in 1967 and was a feature of the calendar on and off until 1981, sharing a spot with the Montjuic street circuit.
According to Spanish outlet El Mundo, an announcement was expected to be made last week but was delayed.
Efforts to have F1 race in Madrid date back to 2021.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix every year since 1991.
Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton are the two most successful drivers in the event's history with six wins apiece.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.