Formula 1 extends Spanish GP deal with Barcelona

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Formula 1 has announced that it has renewed its Spanish Grand Prix contract with the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona until 2026.

Spain's showcase motorsport event as taken place at the Barcelona venue on an uninterrupted basis since 1991 although the local promoters have struggled at times to keep their event on F1's calendar.

"We are delighted to announce this deal with Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya," said F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali.

"I want to thank the promoter and the authorities for their enthusiasm and commitment to keeping Formula 1 in Barcelona, with improvements that will be made to the track and facilities, and continuing our long history together.

"The teams and drivers always look forward to racing at the circuit and visiting Barcelona, and the Spanish fans will continue to see their national heroes, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz up close."

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As part of Grand Prix racing's new agreement with Barcelona, improvements to the track and to its facilities will be made ahead of next year's race which is set to take place on May 22nd 2002.

The Circuit de Catalunya's transformations will also include upgrades and improvements towards the track's ambitious sustainability plans.

"We welcome the renewal of this contract, which includes a mutual commitment clause to help us turn Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya into a model and world benchmark of sustainability applied to this type of facilities," added Roger Torrent, Catalan Minister of Business and Labour, and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya President.

"We want the circuit to become an exponent of the green transformation and the adaptation of infrastructures to the demands of the climate emergency".

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.