Formula 1 has extended the venue of Spa-Francrorchamps for another year in 2023. F1 and Belgian Grand Prix has reached an agreement to extend their engagement for a year.
Agreement between F1 and Belgian GP expired with the end of Spa GP. Additionally, more venues are under consideration for 2023 calendar. Next year F1 will host 24 races with expected eight European races, which poses threat to traditional venues like Spa.
However, uncertainty over Formula 1 return to venues likes South Africa and China has provided an opportunity to traditional venues. The promotors were hopeful to find an agreement with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and his team.
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The last weekend held, expected, last F1 race at Spa. However, both parties agreed to extend their engagement for another year. It will keep the popular venue on 2023 calendar, thanks to one-year contract.
The announcement does not include the date for venue. But most likely it will keep its traditional spot on the calendar.
“Formula 1 can confirm that the Belgian Grand Prix will be on the 2023 calendar following an agreement to extend our partnership together. Further details on the 2023 calendar will be announced in due course,” F1’s statement read.
Spa authorities has reached new agreement on the circuit. It will require the organisers to produce a concerted effort to overhaul the whole circuit. It requires the authorities to improve its aged facilities and poor traffic management. Moreover, it has pulled out all stops on F1 request to improve off track entertainment experience.
Formula 1 CEO on the matter
Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, told Sky Sports F1: “We have to congratulate the job [the organisers] did. You’ve seen the investment they did.
“You see the number of people that are coming here. Incredible crowd, incredible attention to the people, and this is great I think for the sport.
“We always said that the race is a part of our tradition, and it has a very important space in our calendar, and this is a fact that we wanted to share in this moment.”
One year deal has put energy to the organisers. But its future with F1 remain undecided. Most likely, similar discussions are expected about Belgium long term future this time next year.
