Formula 1: Spanish Grand Prix to return to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 2020

The Spanish Grand Prix is set to return to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the 2020 Formula 1 season despite rumors that it would be off the schedule.

When the Dutch Grand Prix was confirmed at Circuit Zandvoort for the 2020 Formula 1 season back in April, it was speculated that it would replace the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and that the latter would no longer be on the schedule for the first time in three decades.

However an agreement was reached between Formula 1 and Circuit de Barcelone-Catalunya, a partnership formed by the Government of Catalonia, the Real Automovil Club de Catalunya (RACC) and the Montmeló Town Council, to keep the Spanish Grand Prix on the schedule for the 2020 season.

The Spanish Grand Prix has been held at the 16-turn, 2.892-mile (4.654-kilometer) Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya road course in Montmelo, Catalonia, Spain since the 1991 season, so next year’s race at the track is set to be the 30th.

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The Spanish Grand Prix, meanwhile, has been held as a part of the Formula 1 World Championship in most seasons since 1951. From 1951 to 1990, it was contested a total of 22 times at four different circuits.

In 1951 and 1954, it was contested at Pedralbes Circuit. From 1967 to 1981, it was contested at Circuito del Jarama on 11 occasions and Montjuïc circuit on four occasions, although two of the races held at Circuito del Jarama were not part of the Formula 1 World Championship. Finally, from 1986 to 1990, before it was moved to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it was contested at Circuito de Jerez.

Here is what Formula 1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey had to say about the return of the Spanish Grand Prix to next year’s schedule, according to Formula 1.

"“We are pleased to confirm that the Spanish Grand Prix will be on the calendar of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 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 1’s European roots, while also currently expanding the championship into new territories.“The promoter’s willingness to be part of Formula 1 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. In the coming months, we will continue our discussions to see if we can further extend this advantageous relationship.“In the meantime, I would like to thank Quim Torra, the Catalan President for his vital support in these negotiations, in the hope of celebrating a fantastic 50th Spanish Grand Prix in 2020, the 30th to be held at one of the most technically demanding circuits on the World Championship calendar.”"

Here is what Catalunya government president Quim Torra had to say about it.

"“Catalonia will be, for the 30th time in a row, host to a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Catalonia is a country with a very long tradition in motor sports, and therefore, we are pleased to have strengthened continue our position as a classic event in the calendar for fans all around the world.“Throughout the 30 years, we have integrated this event in the industrial policies of the Government, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is an important a tool to stimulate the economic activity in the country in terms of tourism, as well as in the automobile and entertainment industry. Moreover, it gives us the opportunity to show the world the way Catalans are, how we work and what our country is like.“For all of these reasons, we welcome the continuity of Formula 1 in our home country. We are grateful for the excellent relationship with Chase Carey, Formula 1 Chairman and CEO, and we are well aware that our current challenge is to make sure that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya keeps up maintains this role, both as economic driver and as a link to our sports and industrial tradition.”"

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The addition of the Spanish Grand Prix to the 2020 Formula 1 schedule means that there are now 22 races on next year’s schedule. The only race on this year’s schedule that does not have a contract to remain on the schedule for next year is the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring.

Teams previously agreed that the maximum calendar size should be 22 races, which is still a new all-time record, for the 2020 season, so the status of the German Grand Prix remains in doubt.

That said, the statuses of both the Mexican Grand Prix and the Spanish Grand Prix had been in doubt as well, yet both were confirmed for next year in this month.

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