F1 confirms Spanish Grand Prix to remain on calendar for 2020

Chase Carey

The Spanish Grand Prix will remain a feature of the Formula 1 calendar next year, with the confirmation of a one-year extension.

The news means 2020 will almost certainly feature a record 22 races with the inclusion of the Vietnam and Dutch GP's and the loss of the German GP.

"We are pleased to confirm that the Spanish Grand Prix will be on the calendar of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship," said F1 CEO Chase Carey.

The 2020 event will be the 50th anniversary of the Spanish GP, with the first taking place in 1951 at Barcelona's Pedralbes street circuit. It has since visited Montjuich, Jarama in Madrid and Jerez before making the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit its home since 1991.

Carey added: "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 fiftieth Spanish Grand Prix in 2020, the thirtieth to be held at one of the most technically demanding circuits on the World Championship calendar."