Formula 1’s Belgian Grand Prix will continue to be held at Spa-Francorchamps until at least 2022.
Spa-Francorchamps is one of six confirmed circuits on the amended 2020 schedule and as with all other confirmed rounds will be run as a ‘Closed Event’, without spectators.
Its previous arrangement with Formula 1, which was agreed mid-2018, covered three years through 2021, but this has now been extended until 2022 on account of the alterations made to facilitate the 2020 running of the event.
“The maintenance of this [2020] event was made possible thanks to the work and collaboration of the Walloon Government, the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, the RACB [Royal Automobile Club of Belgium], the FIA but also FOM, since this Grand Prix will be organised outside of the current contract and without financial contribution from the Walloon Region,” said Spa Grand Prix’s CEO Vanessa Maes.
“This new model will allow the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, an important economic tool in Wallonia, to somewhat mitigate the financial effects of this historic crisis.
“The negotiated conditions also make it possible to consolidate the place of the Belgian Grand Prix in the calendar of the Formula 1 world championship since it includes an extension of our current contract until 2022.”
Wallonia’s Economy Minister, Willy Borsus, added: “The Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps is a flagship for Wallonia that contributes to the awareness of our country and our region worldwide.
“Organising it without an audience is obviously a disappointment for the spectators and a real shortfall for the region in terms of economic benefits.
“However, the terms negotiated with the FOM allow the region to limit losses and ensure the 2021 and 2022 Grand Prix.
“I am satisfied that we can organise it, even behind closed doors, to offer this show to the many enthusiasts, despite a difficult global context.”
Spa-Francorchamps was part of the inaugural World Championship season in 1950 and has been the permanent host of Formula 1’s Belgian Grand Prix since 1985.
Spa-Francorchamps follows other 2020 Formula 1 ‘Closed Event’ venues Monza (until 2025) and the Hungaroring (until 2027) in receiving one-year extensions to the respective previous contracts.
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