(GMM) Despite getting the axe for 2006, F1's highly popular Belgian grand prix has penned a new five year contract with Bernie Ecclestone to return Spa Francorchamps to the calendar.
The deal will run between 2007 and 2011, according to the Belgian public broadcaster RTBF, quoting local politician Jean-Claude Marcourt.
Marcourt, who is the Wallonian region's economics minister, said the agreement would cost the government $7m per year, with about $3m raised with sponsorship.
The sport's governing body, however, cited track renovations as the reason for the removal of the 2006 race, adding in a statement that it 'hopes ... the event will be included once again ... from 2007 onwards.'
But Marcourt explained that the 2007-2011 F1 deal is not entirely official, with the agreement still needing to be ratified in parliament. The Wallonian parliament is expected to debate the issue as soon as next week.
Written: Sat, 11 Feb 2006 12:40:36
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