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Despite Catalunya scheduled to host the Spanish Grand Prix until the 2016 season, the president of the Barcelona track is doubtful whether the circuit would continue to hold a Formula 1 race beyond 2012.
Artur Mas cited the current financial climate as the reason for the uncertainty with narrowing funds influencing the aspects of hosting the event.
“The continuity of the F1 race at this circuit is guaranteed this year and, probably, next year too," he told El Pais. "And I trust it can have continuity also in the future. But that will depend on how the economic situation develops and on the results we have over these two years.
"Everybody knows that we have restrictions on the budgets and that F1 is loss-making. But we also have to consider the economic impact that it has and how it promotes the country,” he added. “It places Catalunya in the world".
However, he insisted that notwithstanding the difficulties he would continue with his efforts to try to ensure that F1 at the Spanish circuit continues, although he remained unconvinced.
"The situation is what it is and I'm not trying to fool anyone," he pointed out. "I said from day one that I would speak the truth and that I would speak clearly. I know the value of hosting an F1 race and I'm here to give all my support to the people at the circuit.
"I will do all I can to keep that F1 race, but we can't hide the truth. We have to reduce the budgets. The Generalitat (Catalunyas's government) must tighten its belt and that will affect all fields. We will see what happens this year and in 2012."
Translated quotes courtesy Autosport