Barcelona wants Formula 1 until 2020

Salvador Servia, the boss of the Circuit de Catalunya, explained that the hosting of the Spanish Grand Prix is not in danger – even though he is aware that the future of the Grand Prix will depend on the circuit’s ability to accommodate fans for F1 races.

The Circuit de Catalunya has a contract to host the Spanish Grand Prix of Formula 1, and while the Spanish press recently reported that the circuit was looking to renegotiate its contract with Bernie Ecclestone, Servia wanted to give his version. He stated that the circuit was happy with the current contract but also hopes to extend it for several additional years—until 2020.

« The reality is that we have a contract until 2016 and we are working on the 2012 race for the moment. Our intention, if we can, is to continue until 2020, » Salvador Servia told Autosport.

We have had Formula 1 here for 20 years, and the goal is to have it for 20 more years. As for the rest, no one has said anything. I have read articles about meetings, but officially nothing has been told to me. If we are making no official statement, it’s because nothing is happening.

Even though the circuit wishes to continue hosting Formula 1, Servia explained that a contract extension is not yet on the agenda because the decline in spectator numbers must first be addressed, which is causing economic difficulties. The Formula 1 Grand Prix can only be viable if it is able to attract the public and fill the stands.

« We need to think about that (a contract extension) when we are able to host a lot of people. 2011 was the worst in the past seven or eight years, and it’s not a success. So it’s a no for now. It’s time to work on changing things. »

I always say the same thing, if the circuit is full we have no problems. If the circuit is not filled then we need public money to survive and it seems that we cannot count on it for now. This is the sad reality.

In a period of economic crisis like the one Spain is going through, the alternation between Barcelona and Valencia comes up very often, but Salvador Servia explained that for the moment nothing has been done. He even insisted on denying this information, explaining that no discussions had been initiated regarding a potential alternation.

« We know nothing about this (the alternation). We read articles that don’t always say the same thing. We haven’t heard anything about it. We need to stop these stories. If something happens one day, then we will talk about it, but nothing has happened so far, » added Servia.