Formula 1 has announced the signing of a new deal keeping the Belgian Grand Prix and Spa on the calendar for at least three more years.

The contract, which spans 2019 to 2021, had been reported in local media last week and has now been affirmed by championship organisers.

“We are really pleased to have reached this agreement which means that the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix will stay on the calendar for a further three years,” said F1’s Director of Promoters and Business Relations, Chloe Targett-Adams.

“Formula 1 was born in Europe and the future of this sport needs to maintain its solid roots, while expanding globally and Spa-Francorchamps is part of that fantastic history.

“We are particularly pleased that the new agreement is an improvement on the previous one, for Formula 1 and for our partner Spa Grand Prix, so that fans attending this race will enjoy a truly unforgettable experience.”

Wallonia (local government) Minister for the Economy Pierre Yves-Jeholet stated, “This is a good deal which makes sure that such an important event stays in our region, thus placing us on a global visibility platform.

“The regional and national economic benefit is significant: in 2017 we had a return on investment of 315% and ticket sales increased by 7.5%.

“It is also a significant first for us as we have now concluded a successful and rewarding negotiation with Formula 1.”

This year’s Belgian Grand Prix will be run from August 24-26, while the French Grand Prix makes its return to the calendar beginning with practice tomorrow.