Jan.25 (GMM) A Barcelona politician is “satisfied” {that a} deal might be accomplished to maintain the Circuit de Catalunya on the Components 1 calendar.
It’s already identified, nevertheless, {that a} glitzy new metropolis race in Madrid will take over the Spanish GP moniker from 2026 – though F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has not dominated out a brand new contract for Barcelona.
However a brand new deal could be costly, provided that Spanish media sources report that Madrid is paying EUR 60 million per 12 months for its new F1 race – greater than double Barcelona’s present charge.
The Madrid occasion reportedly has the backing of billionaire Stephen Ross, who’s behind not solely the brand new Miami GP but in addition Onerous Rock Stadium and the Miami Dolphins.
And El Mundo Deportivo says the Madrid funding has additionally been linked to a different billionaire, Carlos Slim, who has backed Sergio Perez’s profession for a few years.
Nonetheless, Roger Torrent, the Catalonia authorities’s enterprise minister, advised Catalan radio RAC1 on Wednesday that he’s “very optimistic” a deal might be accomplished to maintain F1 in Barcelona.
“I’m satisfied that there might be a renewal of the contract,” he insisted. “We’ve a wonderful relationship with Components 1 and we’re engaged on that foundation.
“We can have two unbelievable grands prix,” Torrent added. “One of the best in historical past.”
When requested how he feels about Barcelona undoubtedly dropping the ‘Spanish GP’ official title from 2026, nevertheless, he insisted that “for us, the identify isn’t essential”.
And the minister is assured the Circuit de Catalunya will be capable to match Domenicali’s push for brand spanking new and current races to agree very long-term offers – like Madrid’s decade-long contract.
“For us, the longer the higher,” stated Torrent.
Nonetheless, he admitted that the Madrid deal has turned up the strain.
“There’s loads of strain generally and loads of competitiveness,” stated the minister, “however Components 1 is snug with us. And we don’t take note of others.”
As for the rumours of Madrid’s eye-watering 60 million euro deal per race, Torrent answered: “We all know the place we’re and we all know the place we are able to go.
“We’re modernising the amenities, the infrastructure, which was already wanted,” he added, “and we’re turning it into the very best everlasting circuit in Europe and doubtless on the planet.
“We’re speaking (with F1),” Torrent added. “We’ve been speaking for a very long time, however we observe our personal rhythm. The connection between Components 1 and Catalonia might be determined solely by Components 1 and Catalonia. There isn’t any component that makes us go sooner or places us beneath extra strain.
“In 2024 we can have a grand prix and as Domenicali himself has recognised, our wonderful relationship is the premise that makes us work on the renewal that I’m satisfied will happen.”
