Formula 1 will continue in Spain, at least one more year: the Generalitat of Catalonia closes the agreement

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The black clouds that covered the Grand Prix of Spain seem to dissolve completely. The Generalitat of Catalonia has announced this Thursday, August 1 that it approves the renewal of the agreement for the celebration of this test one more year since the current agreement had expired after the dispute of the 2019 season race last May.

The increase in the fee demanded by Liberty Media and the FOM (Formula One Management) had been the main obstacle in the negotiation. The renewal for one year will allow both parties to gain time to sign a medium-term contract to ensure that the Spanish Grand Prix continues in Montemeló five more years, as has been done with other circuits of the championship

The arrival at the World Grand Prix of the Netherlands in Zandvoort was a blow to Montmeló given that with the confirmation of the Vietnam GP and the renovations of circuits such as Albert Park or Silverstone, he assumed that the F1 calendar for 2020 was beginning to be full.

Spain, Germany and Mexico have struggled in recent weeks to take the 20 th test of the next Formula 1 calendar. With the Hockenheim layout almost ruled out, Montmeló and the Rodríguez Brothers Autodrome are the ones with the most options to enter the calendar if the FOM and Liberty Media do not announce an increase in the number of tests at the last moment.
The potential of F1

The Spanish Grand Prix is considered the fourth in terms of economic impact on the region. The ranking, prepared by Business Sport, places Mexico as the number one thanks to the 250 million euros it generates, the great reason why the organizers of this Grand Prix are negotiating until last minute with Liberty Media to continue in 2020.

The economic impact of Formula 1 is even greater since in addition to the Grand Prix, Catalonia and the Montmeló Circuit also regularly hosts pre-season training. The winter tests were not in doubt as the celebration of the Grand Prix given that the teams had asked to keep the headquarters in Barcelona.