Catalan government gives Spanish Grand Prix the green light

The Spanish Grand Prix has cleared its first major hurdle to confirming its position on the 2021 Formula 1 calendar after local government officials gave organisers clearance to negotiate a new contract extension.

In order to complete this year's race, officials were granted permission to agree a single year deal with F1 but, with Fernando Alonso joining fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz on the grid next year, the green light has been given to negotiate a longer-term deal.

In a statement, the regional government said: "The signature guarantees the celebration of the 31st consecutive edition of this event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

"The F1 Grand Prix is an asset that contributes to Catalonia’s position in the world in the fields of tourism and automotive."

The race, which was included on the provisional calendar with the asterisk "subject to contract", is scheduled to be the fifth of the year on May 9 and follows the currently vacant slot.

Catalunya has been the home of the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991.

Lewis Hamilton, who has taken victory five times in Spain including in each of the past four visits to the circuit, can equal Michael Schumacher's six Spanish Grand Prix victories in next year's race.

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