Spa round unlikely to go ahead

"We thought we had a deal after some extremely positive conference calls," GPM founder Scott Poulter told autosport.com, "but we seem to be a little bit apart, and it is now unlikely that we'll be going there in September.

"Bob (Berridge, technical and sporting consultant to GP Masters) is racing in the sports car race there this weekend, and he's giving it one last shot (to salvage the race), but possibly the Heads of Terms Agreement we sent across earlier in the week caused a rethink by the promoters, MediaGroup Van Dyck."

Eric van de Poele, who made his GPM debut at the Qatar round a fortnight ago, was disappointed when he heard the news in Spain, where he is doing Formula One commentary duty for Belgium's RTBF television network.

The Namur resident had acted as facilitator between Grand Prix Masters, Van Dyck and Spa-Francorchamps.

"Everybody tried their best, from Spa to GP Masters, to the promoters, we had quite a good package, but I think it is a bit late now, but we are working very hard now to try and get Grand Prix Masters there for next year."

Poulter hoped to substitute the Spa event for Monza's June race, cancelled by court order due to noise regulations. GP Masters had, he indicated, various options for a replacement, but refused to elaborate.

Races at Silverstone and in South Africa have been confirmed, whilst a round in Malaysia remained "subject to contract".