15/07/2006
NEWS STORY
It is understood that the authorities in Belgium are close to securing a deal which would see Spa Francorchamps on the 2007 race calendar.
The 2006 race was cancelled - despite fans voting Spa one of their favourite circuits in the FIA's 2006 survey - due to a variety of reasons. Initially because of the financial problems encountered by the (then) promoter, who subsequently went bankrupt, and then a dispute over an upgrade to the track's facilities, and who would pay.
It's now believed that an agreement is close to being reached, which will see the local authorities stump up the required cash, and that work on the upgrade - which includes a new pit and paddock complex, the re-profiling of La Source, and Bus Stop (chicane) being moved closer towards Blanchimont - will begin in October, for completion in time for the 2007 Grand Prix.
It's understood that Bernie Ecclestone is close to securing a deal to become promoter of the event, but that a decision is not expected until next week at the earliest.
The local authorities are keen to see Spa back on the F1 schedule, and therefore a number of incentives are said to be on offer - one of them rumoured to be a 'tax break'.