27/01/2006
NEWS STORY
Although the 2006 Belgian GP at Spa has not been officially cancelled, new doubt has been placed on the event following an interview Bernie Ecclestone gave to Belgian journalist, Walter Wauters.
Asked if there will be a Belgian Grand Prix this year, Ecclestone admitted: "It will be difficult."
Last week, when the BBC claimed that Ecclestone had "pulled the plug" on the event, and other media outlets firmly laid the blame at the Englishman's door, the Spa saga took a new twist when it was claimed that the cancellation wasn't due to money problems, but the F1 supremo's demands for improved facilities, namely a new paddock complex.
Not so, says Bernie.
"That has nothing to do with it," he said. "They can organise the Grand Prix without the construction works.
All they have to do is comply with the contract and there will be a Grand Prix this year," he added, referring to the fee payable to FOM in order to host the event.
"The paddock isn't very good," he added. "They had promised to change it, but never on paper. A new paddock cannot be enforced, just as we cannot demand a new pitlane."
Referring to plans whereby he assumes the role of race promoter, Ecclestone said: "They want us to organise the race. That's alright for us, but modifications would then have to be made.
"Three years ago, they promised us a new pits and paddock complex. Now we demand a guarantee that it will be done. Furthermore, we want an 18m euro grant, to cover the risk. We want a bank guarantee.
"If we say yes to promoting the race and start selling tickets for 2007, but they don't build a new grandstand, then we have sold seats that aren't available and we leave ourselves open to legal proceedings."