Tobacco Vote Dashes Spa's Hopes of Return

The Belgian Grand Prix's chances of returning to the Formula One calendar have been dealt a blow by the Belgian parliament voting not to postpone a local ban on tobacco advertising.

Spa-Francorchamps, the favourite circuit of Ferrari's World Champion Michael Schumacher, was dropped from the 2003 calendar due to the ban but Formula One bosses had hoped it might be reinstated for 2004.

Belgium is due to introduce the ban in August next year, ahead of a planned global ban agreed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) from the end of 2006.

Five of the 10 Formula One teams entered in the 2003 Championship have significant tobacco sponsorship, including champions Ferrari, McLaren and Renault.

The Belgian Senate's Social Affairs Commission last month voted 8-7 in favour of postponing the ban but the legislation had to be passed by both houses to become law and it failed that hurdle on Tuesday night.

After a heated debate, the bill was defeated with 77 against and 71 in favour with two abstentions. The vote was a blow to the country's southern Wallonia region, where the Grand Prix is held.

According to some estimates, the four-day event brings in about 25 million euros ($25.18 million) a year for the local economy.

Two other countries on the current Formula One calendar prevent tobacco advertising at their Grands Prix - Britain with a voluntary agreement and France with a legal ban - and teams did not want to be limited at three races.