Spa back in 2007

Only 2 days after being axed of the 2006 Formula One calendar, the Belgian Grand Prix closed a five year deal with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to return the GP at Spa Francorchamps to the calendar.

According to the Walloon public broadcaster RTBF the local politician Jean-Claude Marcourt said the contract would cost the Walloon government $7 million per year, with about $3 million raised with sponsorship. But Marcourt explained that the 2007-2011 F1 deal is not entirely official, with the agreement still needing to be ratified in parliament. The Wallonian parliament is expected to debate the issue next week.