OCTOBER 25, 2002

Belgian GP in trouble

The Belgian Grand Prix is probably not going to make it onto the F1 calendar next year. It is believed that the teams have been unable to agree on whether the race should happen and that means that it is off the calendar.

The Belgians have only themselves to blame however as the government recently pushed through anti-smoking legislation, trying to force Formula 1 to back down and run the cars without tobacco branding. The FIA decided that the teams should decide on the issue and, as the teams never agree on anything, it looks like the race is off.

Attempts are being made by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium to have the law changed so that Formula 1 can return to Spa in 2004.

The logic behind the ban being introduced appears to have been an attempt by the Flemish politicians who control parliament to take away one of the biggest sporting events in the French-speaking part of the country.

A very parochial approach which now looks like being punished by the F1 circus. It is anticipated that the F1 calednar will now be reduced to 16 races.