Barcelona agree new Formula 1 MotoGP deals until 2026

The Catalunya circuit has one of the longest uninterrupted circuits of any current Grand Prix venue, and has been on the calendar continuously since its first race in 1991.

The long term future of the race has been unclear over the past few seasons due to the close involvement of local authorities and the need to make the event financially viable.

F1 has stressed that the hall, built in the run-up to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, will be modernized to accommodate more modern venues on schedule.

A statement said: “We would like to thank the promoter and the authorities for their commitment and support and look forward to further developing our relationship in the years to come.

“Under the new agreement, improvements to the track and facilities will be made ahead of the race on May 22, 2022, including upgrades and improvements in line with the track’s ambitious sustainability plans.”

“We are pleased to announce this deal with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“I would like to thank the promoter and the authorities for their enthusiasm and dedication to keeping Formula 1 in Barcelona, ​​with improvements to the track and facilities and the continuation of our long history together.

“The teams and drivers always look forward to racing on the track and visiting Barcelona and the Spanish fans will continue to see their national heroes Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz up close.”

Roger Torrent, the Catalan economy and labor minister and also president of the district association, made it clear that the sustainability aspect was an essential part of the contract.

“We welcome the renewal of this contract, which contains a reciprocal commitment clause that will help us make Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya a model and global benchmark for sustainability for this type of facility,” said Torrent.

“We want the route to become an exponent of the green transformation and the adaptation of infrastructures to the requirements of the climate emergency.”

Jack Miller, Ducati team

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

New MotoGP deal

The Spanish circuit also announced a new contract to host MotoGP at this venue, but alternating with other circuits in the Iberian Peninsula.

The new deal is valid until the 2026 season, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosting at least two MotoGP events between 2023 and 2026.

“This contract extension with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for five more seasons is without a doubt fantastic news for MotoGP,” said Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta.

“The spectacular Catalan circuit has been linked to MotoGP since the very beginning of Dorna and is an important part of the calendar every season.

“This important agreement to extend the cooperation until 2026 shows once again the commitment of the organizer to our championship.”