Barcelona Knows ‘Nothing’ About Rival Madrid Bid

2020 Spanish Grand Prix
2020 Spanish Grand Prix

Circuit de Catalunya boss Jose Luis Santamaria says he knows “nothing” about plans to get a Formula 1 race on the streets of Madrid up and running.

The current Spanish GP contract with the venue outside Barcelona runs until 2026, and plans appear to be well advanced for a potential switch to Madrid after that.

When asked about Madrid’s rival bid, Santamaria said all he knows is that the Circuit de Catalunya intends to remain on the F1 grid “in the long term”.

“From day 1 that we signed the renewal contract until 2026, we have already been talking about the future,” he is quoted by Diario Sport.

“Our relations with Formula 1 are constant, very close and very good. And our objective is none other than the renewal of long-term contracts.

“We are immersed in a strategic plan for investment, adaptation and improvement of the facility, this always has to be linked to long-term contracts,” Santamaria added.

When asked more specifically about Madrid, he insisted: “We have no knowledge of this project. We know nothing that we can speak about.

“The only objective is long-term renewal, and the facts back that up.”

One potential solution, however, could be for Barcelona and Madrid to annually alternate hosting the Spanish GP.

When asked about that, Santamaria answered: “That is something that was already raised many years ago and our position has always been the same.

“We want to have the grand prix here continuously, permanently. And it is a fact that for these 33 years it has been like that.”

More in News

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed qualifier Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305270377 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Snatches Dramatic Monaco Pole

Max Verstappen has snatched a last-gasp pole position at the ...
2023 Monaco Grand Prix, Friday - Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton Desperate For Strong Monaco Result

Toto Wolff has insisted he would dread the seven-time world ...
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305261052 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Fights Back, Fastest In Monaco FP2

Max Verstappen set the pace in the second free practice ...
Ferrari's Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Ferrari’s Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Friday at the Monaco Grand Prix saw Scuderia Ferrari drivers ...
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Amr23

Fernando Alonso Off To A Fast Start In Monaco

Fernando Alonso got off to a fast start in Monaco, ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle