Barcelona begins talks for F1 deal through 2026

May 13 (GMM) Talks about the long-term future of the Spanish grand prix reportedly kicked off last weekend.

Although the Circuit de Catalunya's existing contract runs until 2016, El Mundo Deportivo reports that a new ten-year deal through 2026 is now being discussed.

The preliminary talks in Barcelona were reportedly between F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and Catalonian president Artur Mas, Spanish correspondent Elvira Gonzalez reported.

Gonzalez said a race-day crowd of more than 91,000 attended Sunday's Spanish grand prix, more than any other European round on the calendar except Silverstone.