Barcelona on standby as F1's 2027 Plan B
Barcelona's circuit chiefs say the Catalunya track is ready to return as a 2027 Plan B should Formula 1's Middle East calendar be disrupted by the ongoing Iran conflict.
Barcelona could yet stage a Formula 1 race in 2027 despite not being scheduled to host one under its new alternating agreement with Spa-Francorchamps.
The possibility has been raised by Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEdA) president Manuel Avino, who admits the ongoing conflict in Iran could force Formula 1 to seek contingency plans for next season.
The comments come amid continuing uncertainty around Formula 1's Middle East contingent, with Bahrain and Jeddah already cancelled in 2026 and doubts still hanging over Qatar and Abu Dhabi if the regional conflict continues.
"There's a sensitive issue, the current situation is very complex," Avino told Soy Motor.
"We're surrounded by armed conflicts, and we'll have to see how this affects even the 2026 calendar, where we are in 2027 and what happens."
Barcelona is due to share a rotating arrangement with Spa from next year, meaning the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is not currently scheduled to host a grand prix in 2027.
However, Avino suggested the venue could quickly be called into action if Formula 1 suddenly needed a replacement race.
"Hopefully everything is resolved and there are no more wars or loss of human life," he said.
"But if circumstances require it, Barcelona could be a Plan B."
Pressed further about the prospect, Avino made clear that Barcelona remains a ready-made option.
"I think I'm already explaining it. There's nothing more, but the reality is what it is, and Barcelona, if tomorrow we urgently need somewhere to race, all it takes is a phone call."
Barcelona, 2027 calendar context
| 2027 status | Not scheduled (alternating with Spa-Francorchamps) |
| Contingency status | On standby as Plan B |
| 2026 cancellations | Bahrain, Jeddah (regional conflict) |
| At-risk races | Qatar, Abu Dhabi (ongoing uncertainty) |
Related: Alonso hints this could be his final Barcelona F1 race
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