» Barcelona’s future in doubt?

In an announcement that might be welcomed by many fans who have long since tired of the circuit, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has suggested that Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya might not have its contract renewed when it expires in 2013.

Speaking with Spain’s Marca newspaper, the F1 chief executive suggested that the venue could be the first of several European races to be dropped as the series looks to shift to a broader global focus. Spain is the only country on the calendar which currently hosts two races – at Barcelona and the equally dull Valencia street circuit – and there have been pressures to either drop one, or alternate both, of the races.

“I don’t know, we will have to wait and see,” he answered, when asked if two Spanish races was sustainable in the mid-term.

“I think not, but we’ll see. In Barcelona they complain that it is difficult for them to balance their accounts.

“We have a contract in force so it depends whether Barcelona want to keep going or not,” he said, when asked if the venue – which has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991 – would remain on the F1 calendar.

[Image via LAT]