Formula 1 could move to the Spanish capital after the sport's supremo Stefano Domenicali confirmed talks over hosting a race in Madrid.
Barcelona has long been the home of the Spanish Grand Prix, but officials in Madrid are working on plans to create a new venue on the F1 calendar.
A move to Madrid will not be imminent, however, with Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya contracted to host the showpiece event until at least 2026.
The Catalan city has staged the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991 but Madrid's ambitious plans to make their mark with a fresh new track could entice F1 bosses.
F1 chief executive Domenicali does not anticipate two Spanish races emerging on a global calendar, but has clarified Madrid's interest in becoming the country's home for the sport.
"They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular," Domenicali said at the launch of an F1 exhibition in Madrid.
"Two races in Spain of course is very difficult, so we are happy with Barcelona who have a contract and a strong relationship - but it is true that Madrid wants a race so we will see. All of this is good for F1."
Madrid residents have not enjoyed a nearby F1 race since Jarama, a track located 20 miles north of the capital, last held the Spanish Grand Prix in 1981.
But F1 bosses continue to seek new opportunities amid the huge boom in popularity of the sport and Domenicali clearly only sees the positives of increased competition for a spot on the calendar.
Last year, the Miami Grand Prix became the third US race on the schedule, while the hotly-anticipated penultimate race of this year's campaign will take place on the famous streets of Las Vegas in November.
