Red Bull team principal Christian Horner doesn’t want the Spanish Grand Prix to be dropped from the Formula 1 calendar, and at the very least wants the Circuit de Catalunya to be retained as the location for pre-season testing.
F1's slow death proves change is needed nowRead more
After the return of the Netherlands GP at Zandvoort was announced on Tuesday, it is looking increasingly certain that it will replace Barcelona as the first European race on the 2020 schedule.
Horner thinks it would be detrimental to the sport if Spain was dropped altogether, especially from testing.
“I think it would be a great shame if we don’t come back racing in Barcelona but we certainly should continue to test here,” said the Brit.
“I think being European-based, far enough south to have a sensible weather and from a cost point of view, it’s cost-efficient for the European-based teams to come and test here.
“And it’s a good track, it’s got a combination of low-speed, medium-speed and high-speed corners, so it would be a shame if it doesn’t get utilised for at least testing duties.
If nothing else, Horner reckons it presents the most sensible option for testing due to the location and climate.
“The teams have a good reference around here. It’s convenient and the weather is usually pretty sensible for pre-season testing.
“I would certainly be supportive of coming here prior to next year.”
Related