Motorsport: Doubtful future for troubled Spa venue

BRUSSELS - Belgium's regional government could ask Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone for help to secure the future of the country's grand prix at Spa.

The government of the country's southern Walloon region met today and appointed its economy minister, Jean-Claude Marcourt, to talk with Ecclestone.

"He will also talk with other parties," spokeswoman Sandrina Hoch added.

Spa is one of Formula One's great and historic circuits but this year's race had poor ticket sales and the promoter ran into financial trouble.

The government had to lend 15 million euros ($26 million) to the promoter to pay Ecclestone for the 2005 race and could ask the 75-year-old Briton to take over the running of the event.

The race has been included on the provisional 2006 calendar with a September 17 date.

Ecclestone controls the commercial rights to the sport through Formula One Management (FOM).

Last month, nearby Luxembourg declined to help the government finance the circuit.

Located near the border with Germany and Luxembourg, the track is a favourite of Ferrari's seven times world champion Michael Schumacher, who made his debut at Spa in 1991 and took his first grand prix win there the following year.

- REUTERS