The president of the Government of Catalonia, Quim Torra, said today that the government is “still hopeful and confident” that negotiations to renew the agreement between Formula 1 and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will work out.

 “Catalonia needs to hold on to Formula 1,” he said. The head of the executive met today with F1 CEO Chase Carey before the start of the 63rd Spanish Grand Prix in Montmeló. Torra said: “We met before in March. We have a great rapport and will make every effort to reach an agreement.”

 

Speaking to the media, the president stressed the Catalan government’s “readiness and support” to push ahead with the renewal of the agreement so that the Formula 1 event continues to be held at the Montmeló track. Torra said: “Catalonia is a motorsport country” that has “outstanding infrastructure, a public that wants to see Formula 1, and drivers that appreciate our facilities and enjoy competing there.” The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has a direct economic impact of €340 million a year and generates 3000 jobs. The president said the Montmeló track is a very important project for Catalonia that contributes to the cohesiveness of the territory because, apart from major international competitions like Formula 1, the venue is also used for many sporting and cultural events over the year that are attended by a total of 550,000 spectators.