Barcelona and Hockenheim confirm F1 calendar talks

Barcelona and Hockenheim have both confirmed they are in active discussions about future Formula 1 races, likely under a rotation model.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali this week named Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Germany’s Hockenheimring as candidates.

Catalan minister Miquel Samper revealed during MotoGP’s contract extension announcement that progress has been made amid the Spanish event's uncertain future.

“The negotiations are much more mature than they were a few months ago, they are on the right track,” he said. But he admitted Liberty Media’s proposed deal is “the most complicated I’ve seen, with many clauses”.

Samper also acknowledged pressure from “new countries with significant economic potential” but argued Barcelona remains in a strong position.

“Having been considered the best and most sustainable circuit last year positions us uniquely,” he insisted. “Grands prix are expensive, but the impact of MotoGP and F1 far outweighs the public investment.” Rotation rather than an annual deal, he conceded, “is a variable that exists”.

At Hockenheim, managing director Jorn Teske also welcomed Domenicali’s comments. “There’s no question that we at Hockenheimring are very keen on Formula 1, and we’re very pleased there is obviously mutual interest,” he told SID. “We’ll certainly seek direct dialogue soon.”

With new private investors on board, Teske said a comeback is now realistic. “Our shareholders are all petrol heads, but also very good business people with an extensive network,” he explained. “Having them on board gives the project new momentum.”

But he warned the German GP revival still faces its familiar hurdle. “The top priority is that a model for organising Formula 1 is economically viable,” Teske said. “Regarding the exact current figures, we’re still somewhat in the dark.”