Belgian Grand Prix still in problems

The Government of Luxembourg has refused a request to help finance the Belgian Grand Prix. The organisation behind the Spa-Francorchamps race have hit financial trouble and officials in Belgium sounded out neighbouring Luxembourg in a bid to fund the event.

Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg's prime minister has turned down the request for assistance, claiming his nation cannot afford to bankroll a GP.
"The Luxembourg budgetary situation was such that financial participation was strictly not possible."

Juncker met representatives of the Walloon local government, of which Spa is a part, including prime minister Elio di Rupio and tourism minister Benoit Lutgen. He revealed consideration had been given to organising and funding a Spa grand prix after requests from the Belgians.

Spa's troubles could not have come at a worse time, with Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone battling to impose another 19-race calendar. Teams want a reduction in the schedule and problems for Spa could give Ecclestone an easy solution.