The Spanish Grand Prix will stay on the Formula One calendar in 2020, the sport’s commercial rights holders and race organisers said on Tuesday, with the season set to expand to a record 22 races next year.
The Spanish race will continue to be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the 30th straight year.
The contract for the Spanish race ran out after this year’s event in May, which was won by world champion Lewis Hamilton and saw Australia’s Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo finish 12th.
“The decision to continue to stage a round of the pinnacle of motor sport in Spain… is part of our strategy of maintaining Formula One’s European roots, while also currently expanding the championship into new territories,” the sport’s chief executive Chase Carey said in a statement.
Spain’s confirmation, which follows Mexico signing a fresh three-year deal earlier this month, paves the way for Formula One to expand beyond its current 21 races.
Germany is set to drop off the current 21-race schedule but a new race in Vietnam and a return to the Netherlands have already been announced.
Italy, home race for the sport’s most popular team Ferrari, has yet to sign a contract extension but local organisers and authorities have given the race the go-ahead.
F1 teams have already agreed to an expansion of the calendar to 22 races.