Bernie seeks return to Spa for 2004

ASCII Man · 30 Jan 2003, 16:51 (Ref:490773)

Ecclestone seeks return to Spa for 2004

The Belgian Grand Prix could return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2004 if anti-tobacco legislation introduced by the country's government is reversed, Bernie Ecclestone has told this week's AUTOSPORT magazine.

Races in China and Bahrain have been added to the schedule for 2004, filling up the space on the calendar that has been created following the decision to drop the Austrian GP after this year's event. But Ecclestone has suggested that the calendar could expand to 18 races next year to accommodate the return of the Spa circuit.

"We are okay [with the number of races for 2004]," said Ecclestone. "The only thing we may have to do is put one back if we want to run in Spa and if I can convince the teams to have 18 races."

When asked if he would like to see Spa return to the F1 calendar, Ecclestone said: "Yes. There aren't many tracks like that any more."
(source: www.autosport.com)

Should the Belgian government change it's anti-tobacco law to make an exception for F1, or not?

(the mods are free to delete this poll if this has been done before recently)

Red · 30 Jan 2003, 17:07 (Ref:490794)

Sheese, of course yes. Actually the laws are not anti-tobacco, but anti tobacco ads. And frankly I really don't understand what's their problem anyway. It's unlikely that that would diminish the number of smokers. Either ban tobacco altogether and lose massive tax-money, or don't want to lose so much money, pretend to do something and achieve nothing other than lose some tax-money.

Damon · 30 Jan 2003, 17:23 (Ref:490808)

An unacquivical yes. It's such a tiny change compared to the the massive gain to the local area that hosting the event brings.

ASCII Man · 30 Jan 2003, 17:24 (Ref:490810)

I voted: I don't care because.. er... I don't care!

Damon · 30 Jan 2003, 17:26 (Ref:490816)

never been to the actual race there ®îjñtjûh?

ASCII Man · 30 Jan 2003, 17:30 (Ref:490823)

A student who can afford the +300 Euro's ticket price?

I did once, but that was a loong time ago. (i was 5 years old or so)

Damon · 30 Jan 2003, 17:39 (Ref:490832)

Well I'm a student and paid my own way across from the UK for the whole weekend last year. We went for the 180 euro general access 3 day pass. The whole 5 day trip including food, accomodation, a days Karting and the travel costs came to just £400. It's a bargain!

DavidStHubbins · 30 Jan 2003, 17:45 (Ref:490839)

hell yeah!

Jordi · 30 Jan 2003, 18:50 (Ref:490896)

yeah

**Adam43** · 30 Jan 2003, 18:55 (Ref:490900)

Quote:

Originally posted by ®îjñtjûh
I voted: I don't care because.. er... I don't care!

Is that why you posted the poll?

I am going to Spa next year, whether there is an F1 race or not. I fancy the 24hours. Now that is value for money. However, it is a travesty that the premier racing series does not visit the premier track.

**Bononi** · 30 Jan 2003, 19:04 (Ref:490907)

YES !

The best track these times !

**Asp** · 30 Jan 2003, 19:05 (Ref:490908)

Well, of course they should; as it's a loss of a flippin' good track.However, firstly they won't - think of how humiliated such a u-turn would be; and secondly they had a chance of getting in this year if people wanted by swapping with Nurburgring - their date is before the Belgiums institute the ban, and as tracks they are pretty close, in the grand scheme of things. DOn't know wht it never ended up happening though - and if that, fairly simple idea, didn't; then perish the thought of going back in '04

Miss Hardt · 30 Jan 2003, 22:59 (Ref:491114)

You call 400 Euros a bargain? Weird.

The poll was a bit obvious...but Bernie's idea itself...how to say...he's a hypocrite. The worst hypocrite on this planet. Take that however you like, I know what I have just said.

R · 30 Jan 2003, 23:10 (Ref:491124)

Quote:

Originally posted by ®îjñtjûh
When asked if he would like to see Spa return to the F1 calendar, Ecclestone said: "Yes. There aren't many tracks like that any more."

There certainly aren't, so I guess that's why Hockenheim was destroyed.

f1manoz · 30 Jan 2003, 23:38 (Ref:491142)

I think the way Bernie thinks he can influence this sort of government decision is disgusting... I vote no. Governments should not be forced to bow at the whim of Bernie Ecclestone.

Lee Janotta · 31 Jan 2003, 02:55 (Ref:491294)

Gah! So conflicted!

Spa and Monaco are the only tracks left which truly deserve the GP they have!

But at the same time, Belgium's a sovereign nation! Bernie's just a troll with a huge pile of money!

Snrub · 31 Jan 2003, 03:39 (Ref:491341)

Belgium shouldn't have to change their laws, but F1 should go back. Does anyone have a favorite modern F1 track that isn't named Spa?

alfasud · 31 Jan 2003, 07:01 (Ref:491414)

I agree with those that say Belgium is a sovereign nation and shouldn't have to change it's laws. Governments have a responsibility to balance the need to protect it's citizens from harmful products and the need to allow people freedom of choice in what they eat, drink or smoke.

Banning advertising of harmful products, but not the products themselves is a compromise and it's for Belgium to make that decision.

It's a great track for F1, but also for Sports/GT, Tourers or CART. I'd be happy to watch any of the above at Spa.

Red · 31 Jan 2003, 07:11 (Ref:491420)

Belgium is a sovereign state and definitely should not change his laws because someone (other than their people) says so. Actually noone asks that. They want to change the law, fine, GP at Spa in 2004. They stick to the compromise? Fine too, no race at Spa, at least no sooner that 2007.

Banning the advertising but not the product is stupid. I believe that all that the government should do is to allow a dispense for Formula 1, which is also a compromise. Anyway, if they want to enforce that law I believe that there will be no TV broadcast of Motorsport races (plus other International sporting events) in Belgium. Plus, the magazines and newspapers will not be allowed to publish photos of cars or drivers etc.

GTV27 · 31 Jan 2003, 07:13 (Ref:491425)

voted no

I like Spa as much as anybody but the law is sound and should stay

F1 needs to break the link with tobacco money sooner rather than later

Some things are bigger than motor racing

Red · 31 Jan 2003, 07:15 (Ref:491426)

F1 and any other form of motorsport WILL break the link with tobacco money. In 2006, as agreed.

Smokey 6 litre · 31 Jan 2003, 12:19 (Ref:491739)

Tobacco money is currently vital,
BUT, it does need to go.
IT sponsorship is the future.
BRING BACK SPA!

**Bononi** · 31 Jan 2003, 12:50 (Ref:491766)

Sure Belgium is a sovereign nation. How many sovereign nations have their BIP smaller than F1 gainings ? Is not a case of sovereignty but money income.

Spaced Invader · 31 Jan 2003, 13:22 (Ref:491805)

i voted yes but thats only because i want to see the return of Spa.

Miss Hardt · 31 Jan 2003, 15:02 (Ref:491918)

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee Janotta
Gah! So conflicted!

Spa and Monaco are the only tracks left which truly deserve the GP they have!

I'd put Austria and Italy in that group as well.

View Poll Results: Should the Belgian government change it's anti-tobacco laws for Formula 1?
Yes!	22	68.75%
I don't know!	1	3.13%
No!	7	21.88%
I don't care!	2	6.25%
Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll

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