This year’s Belgian formula-one grand prix has been called off because of track-improvement works, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, announced on Wednesday.
The FIA and formula-one supremo Bernie Ecclestone have ordered the works, which are expected to cost up to €20-million and include modifying the track, building new paddocks, a new control tower and more seating.
One of the favourite races for drivers, the Spa Francorchamps circuit will be back on the formula-one calendar in 2007, with Ecclestone taking over as race promoter from Belgian organisers DDF1.
Ecclestone, reflecting on the decision to call off this season’s race, said: ”I’m both disappointed and happy. Disappointed because we didn’t want to miss a race at Spa, but happy because the reason it’s not being run is to have [more] improved infrastructure than before.”
The FIA, in a statement, confirmed: ”The Belgian National Sporting Authority has written to notify the FIA of the withdrawal of the 2006 Belgian Grand Prix from the formula-one world championship.
”The withdrawal has been made in order to allow the completion of extensive improvement work to facilities at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The FIA hopes that the event will be included once again in the calendar from 2007 onwards.”
This year’s race, about which doubts first surfaced last month in the Belgian press, was due to be staged on September 17. — Sapa-AFP