Barcelona is 'not contemplating' a Spa-style rotation for F1 races.

      A high-ranking official maintains that Barcelona is "not considering" joining Spa-Francorchamps in the acceptance of Formula 1’s new race rotation plan. With a ten-year contract secured, Madrid will be included in the F1 calendar starting in 2026, coinciding with the final year of Barcelona’s existing contract to host the Spanish Grand Prix.

      However, Pau Relat, president of Fira Barcelona—the organization overseeing Circuit de Catalunya—expresses strong optimism about reaching a new agreement. "The Circuit (de Catalunya) possesses its own identity, life, and is independent of any other grand prix that may occur," he mentioned in a statement to Diario Sport. "From a market standpoint, there is capacity for two grand prix events in Spain, and we will strive to make the renewal a reality," Relat emphasized.

      Additionally, Barcelona benefits from MotoGP, which is also managed by F1’s commercial rights holder Liberty Media, having recently renewed its racing agreement with the city. Relat commented, "Logically, if Dorna is part of Liberty and has chosen to extend its contract in Barcelona for five years, given the quality of the facilities and organizational capabilities, this strengthens our position." He added, "This gives us considerable optimism."

      Several officials from Barcelona have indicated they will keep their F1 negotiations "silent" in public. Relat has expressed his reluctance toward Barcelona not hosting the grand prix annually, citing that Spa-Francorchamps' new arrangement ensures the Belgian track only four races in the six years from 2026 to 2031. "Right now, we are not contemplating a rotation system," said Relat. "We have a contract until 2026, so we have time, and our aim is to maintain continuity for a grand prix that has taken place here without interruption since 1992. This is the intention of both the Catalan government, as the facility's owner, and Fira."

      He mentioned that he would not share further specifics regarding his discussions with F1, asserting, "I believe that one of the crucial aspects is utmost discretion. It is an absolutely vital condition for progress."