“All forces are mobilised” to save the Belgian Grand Prix but talks with Formula 1 are “not easy”, race boss Vanessa Maes says.
The iconic Spa Francorchamps circuit is at risk of being dropped from the calendar after 2022, with F1 needing to make space for potentially four new or returning races next year.
While it isn’t the first time Spa has been in this position, with the circuit not hosting races in 2003 and 2006, this time is different as there are concerns the Belgian GP simply doesn’t fit with the vision of F1 owners Liberty Media.
“We are in discussions with F1’s promoter and those discussions are not easy,” Maes, general manager of organiser Spa Grand Prix, was quoted by hln.be.
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“The constant rumours don’t make it any easier. Sometimes I read we will stay, other times that we should have no illusions and other times that we are in between.
“I don’t participate in these speculations, but I am convinced Formula 1 has a real appetite for a future with a Grand Prix in Belgium, and more specifically at Spa.
“Also, in the political world, all forces are mobilised to keep Spa Francorchamps on the F1 calendar. This is no more than logical given the incredible history and mythical aura of this race.”
If F1 needed proof of the Belgian GP’s appeal, tickets for this weekend sold out within three days despite last year’s washout on Sunday that prevented any green flag racing at all.
And Maes is keen to prove that Spa can put on an event that meets the vision that Liberty Media has.
“The negotiations with FOM are going well,” she insisted to De Telegraaf newspaper.
“There are only 25 places on the calendar and everyone is pulling out all the stops to win a Grand Prix next year.
“Spa Francorchamps is a historic and mythical circuit and we want to show that we embrace the future.”
There is speculation that if Spa is dropped, it could still fill in should the Chinese GP be cancelled again or a return to South Africa not happen next year.
Longer term, it is also thought the Belgian GP could take a rotational spot on the calendar, meaning it would take place every two or three years.
