FIA deny that future of Spanish Grand Prix is in doubt

A Spanish official of the FIA has denied that the future of the Grand Prix of Spain is in doubt, as the political instability of the region allegedly made the FIA hesitate to renew the expiring deal of the Circuit de Catalunya.

The contract of the Spanish Grand Prix runs until next year, meaning that there are two races left in the current contract. Catalonia, the region the circuit finds itself in, has been politically unstable in recent times, but that shouldn't matter regarding the Grand Prix, Gonzalo Gobert, a Spanish FIA representative said.

"As director of another circuit [Valencia], I can tell you that this is purely an administrative matter," Gobert told Spanish radio station Radio Marca.

"The only thing this means is that someone must approve the budgets for the sponsorship of the circuit.

"Chase Carey said that Liberty is delighted with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and the circuit is delighted with F1.

"I have no doubt that the renewal will be signed," he concluded.

That puts that rumour to bed then. Well, it probably doesn't until some paperwork gets signed and the contract is actually extended, but still.