Spanish GP urgers government to help save Barcelona F1 race

The Barcelona-based race has been on the F1 calendar since 1991 and its future is now in doubt as its contract comes to an end this year.

Speculation over the Spanish GP's future increased when F1 announced the return of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort in a May date, taking the spot the Spanish GP has usually held on the calendar.

The circuit's bosses said after this month's race that it was "in the process" of renewing its contract with F1 owners Liberty Media.

On Friday, the Real Automovil Club de Catalunya (RACC) which organises the event, asked for help from the government and organisations.

The RAAC is seeking a solution that would secure the future of the grand prix at Barcelona.

"The RACC asks all administrations, and the business world consensus, for the unity of action to achieve the renewal of Formula 1 and thus be able to maintain one of the most important sporting events held every year in the world in our country," a statement by the RACC read.

"The Club considers that betting on the continuity of the grand prix in Catalunya is a strategic decision at business, economic and sporting level and that for this reason the best solution must be urgently found.

"The grand prix has an economic impact on the services, automotive, tourism, transport and leisure sectors of nearly €163million and generates 2700 direct jobs.

"At the same time, the event is key to the Circuit, one of the most important sports infrastructures in Catalunya.

"For all the above reasons, the RACC asks the Government of the Generalitat, the Spanish state, the rest of administrations and the business world, [for the] collaboration, consensus, strength and unity of action to reach a stable agreement so that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya continues to host F1 in the upcoming years."