Speculation surrounding the future of the Spanish Grand Prix has returned after a plea from race organisers.
Just before this year's race earlier in May it was reported the event at Barcelona would be axed in 2020 to make way for the returning Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
However, at the time, the president of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya claimed to be "90% sure" a new deal would be agreed in the summer.
Now though, it seems a very different picture is emerging.
“The RACC asks all administrations and the business world to maintain the Formula 1 championship at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona," a statement read.
“[We want to] be able to maintain in our country one of the most important sporting events that is celebrated in the world every year.
“The RACC considered that the continuity of the F1 Grand Prix in Catalonia is a strategic decision at the business, economic and sports level, and that is why it is urgently necessary to find a better solution."
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While the costs associated with hosting F1 are forcing multiple races to consider their future, the Spanish organisers pointed out the benefits to the Montmelo area.
“The Grand Prix has an economic impact on the services, automotive, tourism, transport and entertainment sectors close to 163 million Euros and generates 2,700 jobs," they claim.
“At the same time, this event is key to the Circuit, which is one of the most important sports infrastructures in Catalonia.
“Therefore, the RACC, with more than 50 years of history in front of this competition in our country, since 1969 at the Montjuïc circuit, has asked the Government of the Generalitat, the Spanish State, the rest of the administrations and the business world for collaboration, consensus, solidity and unity of action to achieve a stable agreement such that in the next few years the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will continue to host F1.”
