The Belgian Grand Prix looks set to remain on the Formula 1 calendar through to 2018 after the local government gave race organisers permission to seek a contract extension with FOM.
Walloon economy minister Jean-Claude Marcourt has agreed to continue supporting the event financially until 2018, despite it making a €7 million (£5.5m, $8.2m) loss last year, citing the positive impact it has on the economy as a justifiable reason.
“There will be a grand prix in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018,” he said during a session in the Walloon Parliament this week.
Marcourt added that the FIA or FOM’s Bernie Ecclestone hadn’t asked for any investment to be made to the circuit’s facilities, unlike some other circuits such as Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve or Brazil’s Interlagos.
Spa-Francorchamps continues to be a fan favourite and with its contract set to end this year, the extension will be welcome news.
