The FIA have denied reports that the 2006 Belgian Grand Prix has been cancelled.
The Daily Telegraph, reports that the speculation was fuelled by a Belgian local government minister who announced the withdrawal of Bernie Ecclestone from a deal intended to save the financially troubled race.
Ecclestone, the report says, was ”perhaps significantly unavailable for comment, and the FIA said they were not taking the claims seriously.”
The problem stems from a £10million loan given to the Spa-Francorchamps promoters towards the cost of the 2005 race. The promoters, now bankrupt, face a struggle to raise the £12million rate for promotional rights to this seasons race.
It is hoped that Bernie Ecclestone will assume the role of promoter, a deal that was widely thought to be in place until the rumours cropped up.
Edu de Jager
DailyF1News.com
