The Belgian Grand Prix will continue to be a fixture on the
Formula 1 calendar for at least the next five years, following the announcement of a new contract.
The race has been in doubt several times over the past few years, first being axed in 2003 over tobacco advertising legislation in the country, and more recently disappearing from the schedule two years ago as a result of failed plans to invest in the track.
Now, however, following an agreement with the sport's supremo
Bernie Ecclestone, the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit – a favourite amongst drivers for its undulating nature and spectacular setting – will welcome
F1 until at least 2012.
“We hope to extend our contract until 2015,” the Walloon region's economics minister Jean-Claude Marcourt told the
Le Soir newspaper, “but our new contract until the end of 2012 is a step in the right direction.
“With this contract we can safely invest in the track for a long-term future.”
The Belgian Grand Prix has been held since the inception of the Formula 1 World Championship back in 1950, with 40 of those races at Spa. The very first pre-war Belgian Grand Prix took place at the Ardennes track back in 1925.
