F1 set for record-breaking 2020 schedule as Spanish GP saved

Spanish GP

F1 set for record-breaking 2020 schedule as Spanish GP saved

Is it a good thing for the sport?

Matthew Scott

Wednesday 28 August 2019 10:00 Updated: 10:06

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Formula 1 is set to be competed over 22 races in 2020 after a one-year deal was secured to keep the Spanish Grand Prix on the schedule.

With races in Hanoi and Zandvoort added to the calendar from next year, two races were expected to make way.

After deals were announced to keep Silverstone and Mexico City in place, with Monza's future expected to be announced at next week's Italian GP, Barcelona and Hockenheim seemed near certainties to drop off the schedule.

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However, it soon emerged that a bumper schedule would be considered if a deal to save one of the European races could be achieved, and F1 will return to Barcelona for a 30th year in 2020.

"We are pleased to confirm that the Spanish Grand Prix will be on the calendar of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship," said F1 CEO Chase Carey.

"The decision to continue to stage a round of the pinnacle of motor sport in Spain, a country with a great motor racing tradition, dating back to the start of the last century, is part of our strategy of maintaining Formula 1's European roots, while also currently expanding the championship into new territories.

"The promoter's willingness to be part of Formula 1 going into 2020 is proof of the sport's ability to act as a catalyst for regions to hold world class events and also to have a positive impact on the area's economy.

"In the coming months, we will continue our discussions to see if we can further extend this advantageous relationship."