Ecclestone wants Spa guarantees

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says the Wallonian government must ensure the Belgian Grand Prix goes ahead. The future of the race, which takes place at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, has been thrown into doubt after the promoters filed for bankruptcy.

Bernie Ecclestone "There is a contract between us and the Wallonian government. I can't see why there should be a debate. We do not worry. When a contract is signed, it must be respected."

The regional government met earlier this month to discuss ways of plugging the funding gap for next year's race. It has already said that it cannot afford to lend the promoters another £10m to pay Ecclestone like it did in 2005. Now the Walloon econonic minister Jean-Claude Marcourt will appeal directly to Ecclestone for assistance.
The race has been included on the 2006 calendar and is due to take place on 17 September.