 Michael Schumacher rates Spa as one of his favourite circuits |
Belgium's regional Walloon government is set to ask Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone for help to secure the future of the country's grand prix. The regional government met on Tuesday to discuss ways of plugging the funding gap for next year's race at Spa.
The track's future as an F1 venue was cast into doubt last month when Luxembourg said it would not help.
But now the Walloon econonic minister Jean-Claude Marcourt will appeal directly to Ecclestone for assistance.
The regional Walloon government lent the promoters �10m to pay to Ecclestone for the 2005 race but cannot afford to repeat that.
The Belgian government, a major shareholder in the track, is considering having Ecclestone replace the race promoter should it be forced to withdraw through financial shortcomings.
Schumacher favourite
The race has been included on the provisional 2006 calendar with a 17 September date.
Ecclestone controls the commercial rights to the sport through Formula One Management.
Spa-Francorchamps is one of F1's most historic circuits and is a firm favourite of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
The German won his first F1 race for Benetton at Spa in 1992.
MMIX
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