Spa secures Grand Prix contract extension

Spa secures Grand Prix contract extension

Martin Macdonald

Saturday 16 June 2018 12:45

The Belgian Grand Prix will remain part of the Formula One calendar for at least the next three seasons after organisers at Spa-Francorchamps’ regional Wallonian government agreed a contract extension with the FIA to hold the race until at least 2021 when they will be eligible for another deal.

The Grand Prix has become a popular event in the season, with legions of Max Verstappen fans from nearby the Netherlands flocking to Spa to see the young Dutchman perform.

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Two-hundred thousand tickets have already been sold for the 2018 edition, including 75,000 for race day, and Wallonia's vice president and economy minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet believes the extension to the deal is vital for the local economy.

“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,” Jeholet told L’Echo, who broke the story about the contract.

“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 EUR20.5 million in 2017, an increase of 21 percent from 2016.”

The Belgian GP has been part of the F1 calendar for 12 consecutive seasons since 2016. The first edition took place in 1925, with Michael Schumacher winning the most races with six.