Belgium fears for its Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix seems set to be organized every other year in alternation with France. This alternation delights the French, but on the Belgian side, some are starting to worry.
For the moment, nothing is official, but discussions appear to be progressing to see the French Grand Prix return to the calendar as early as 2013 – alternating with Belgium. A Belgian deputy has expressed concerns about alternating the Belgian Grand Prix with a French Grand Prix because, according to him, this could result in the disappearance of the Belgian Formula 1 race in the coming years.
This situation would allow the two countries to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix at a lower cost than annually, which seems to be a good solution at first glance. However, on the Belgian side, Deputy Pierre-Yves Jeholet believes that this could lead to the complete disappearance of Formula 1 at Spa-Francorchamps.
I have the impression that there is no political will to maintain the Grand Prix every year. The Belgium-France alternation only serves to avoid causing a stir within the Olivier majority (the ecologists). If the Grand Prix leaves every other year, it will eventually leave for good, worries Pierre-Yves Jeholet in the Belgian newspaper L’Avenir.
What weight do we carry against France? We are facing immobility, apathy, non-management that becomes irresponsibility. There is no scenario for the Walloon Region (even less of an alternative scenario), it feels like France is setting the tone. This majority is being dragged along.
Jeholet believes that Formula 1 is an important event for Belgium, even crucial for promoting the country worldwide. He also thinks that the Grand Prix’s deficit is no longer feasible as it stands, even if it helps boost the economy.
I am not a fan of F1 and I do not go to the Grand Prix. But it is the only world-class event we have in Wallonia, and even in Belgium. I had the opportunity to talk with Asian investors. Brussels, they barely know. But Spa-Francorchamps, that, they all know.
«I agree that this deficit is too significant. But it should not be forgotten that it also has a lot more impact on the regional economy, estimated a few years ago at 80 million, » states the Belgian deputy.
