Formula 1 has confirmed it has signed a three-year extension with the Spa-Francorchamps circuit to keep the Belgian Grand Prix on the calendar until at least 2021.
A firm favourite with fans, Spa, with classic corners such as Eau Rouge/Raidillon, Pouhon, Blanchimont and La Source, slipped off the calendar in 2009 when a new deal couldn't be agreed, but quickly returned in 2010 and has remained a stable on the roster since then.
The latest deal, a three-year extension, will see it remain on the calendar until 2021, the same year F1 will undergo a major overhaul to promote overtaking and lure new teams and manufacturers to the sport.
Speaking of the new deal, Chloe Targett-Adams, Director of Promoters and Business Relations at Formula 1, said: "We are really pleased to have reached this agreement which means that the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix will stay on the calendar for a further three years.
"Formula 1 was born in Europe and the future of this sport needs to maintain its solid roots, while expanding globally and Spa-Francorchamps is part of that fantastic history. We are particularly pleased that the new agreement is an improvement on the previous one, for Formula 1 and for our partner Spa Grand Prix, so that fans attending this race will enjoy a truly unforgettable experience."
Pierre Yves-Jeholet, Minister for the Economy in the Wallonia region, added: "This is a good deal which makes sure that such an important event stays in our region, thus placing us on a global visibility platform.
“The regional and national economic benefit is significant: in 2017 we had a return on investment of 315 per cent and ticket sales increased by 7.5 per cent. It is also a significant first for us as we have now concluded a successful and rewarding negotiation with Formula 1.”
