F1 Rumour: Barcelona Pushing For Decade-Long Contract Extension For Spanish Grand Prix

Organizers of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya want to extend their contract until 2036, despite the addition of a GP in Madrid.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is one of the most popular tracks in the world of Formula 1 and organizers of the Spanish Grand Prix want it to be included in the Formula 1 calendar for at least another ten years, according to recent reports. 

The circuit's current contract with F1 lasts until 2026. This is the same track where present race leader Max Verstappen won his first Formula 1 victory in 2016. However, there have been reports of a possible addition of the track in Madrid in the F1 calendar.

Just last week, it was revealed by the director of events at the IFEMA fair- the venue of the Madrid Grand Prix that the contract with Formula 1 will be signed to include Madrid in the F1 calendar.

However, the distance between Barcelona and Madrid is just about 650 kilometers. As a result, the matter is a bit hazy when it comes to the Spanish Grand Prix's exact venue. Would it happen in Madrid or Barcelona? Or, would both venues host two separate Formula 1 races? 

Adding to the confusion, the director of the Barcelona circuit José Luis Santamaría wants to extend the contract with Formula 1 until 2036. Despite José being keen on adding another ten years to the contract, it would be interesting to see what decision is taken by the FIA. 

As the sport's popularity spreads across the world, more countries have come forward to host Formula 1 races on their turf. Consequently, the coming years will witness the deletion of many existing tracks from the Formula 1 calendar to pave the way for new ones.