Belgian GP secures three-year F1 contract extension at Spa
The future of the Belgian Grand Prix has been secured by the local government, which has signed a new three-year extension with Formula 1's owners Liberty Media
Belgian business newspaper L'Echo reports that the deal was signed this week, between Spa-Francorchamps' local Wallonian government and Liberty, extending the current deal which runs out after the 2018 event.
The race's annual operating losses are paid for by the local government, and offset by the economic benefits to the region. It reports 200,000 tickets have already been sold for this year's event, of which 75,000 are for race day - boosted by Max Verstappen's legion of fans in Holland and Belgium.
"It's a good deal which ensures that the region of Wallonia retains an event which contributes to the promotion the region on the world stage," Wallonia's vice president and economy minister, Pierre-Yves Jeholet told L'Echo.
"It's also a new era because it's the first time we're negotiating with the directors of Liberty Media.
"The proceeds for the Wallonian economy were 20.5 million Euros in 2017, an increase of 21 percent from 2016."
Previous article
Sebastian Vettel takes lead in Autosport readers' F1 driver ratings
Next article
Designers of 2019 F1 cars will 'forget overtaking', warns Steiner
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Author | Charles Bradley |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Why Russell was right to be wrong about Bottas after Imola F1 clash
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas' collision at Imola on Sunday prompted fury in the Formula 1 paddock. But Russell's carefully-worded heartfelt statement later, acknowledging that his initial response was wrong, proved the right move
How Verstappen and Hamilton’s Imola clash sets the tone for F1’s 2021 title fight
In Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career to date, he has been cast as the 'pretender', an acknowledged top-line performer without the car to regularly challenge Lewis Hamilton. But that no longer applies in 2021, and the start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the most telling signal yet of what we can expect from their duel this year
How “overwhelming” McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
