Investor keen to save Belgian GP?
Gerard Lopez and his investment company Genii Capital owns the Renault team and stated they with Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, could save the future of the traditional race track in Spa-Francorchamps. Apparently thinking the networked businessman in Luxembourg about it, to take over the financially ailing circuit in the Ardenns.
2003 and 2006 each had not taken place because commercial difficulties GrandPrix of Belgium. The current contract with Ecclestone expires at the end of 2012.The Walloon regional government is, however, been seriously considered for some time to pull the plug for the Formula 1, had to be worn because of high costs due to losses in the last area of four million euros per year by the public sector.
But evidence now at a solution: "A major investment firm is willing to buy the track at Spa-Francorchamps and take over the organization and promotion of the Grand Prix to secure the future," twitters ex-racing driver Bas Leinders, today formula 1 expert from the Belgian TV station 'RTBF'.
Without mentioning specific Lopez as a prospective, emphasizes the former Minardi test driver: "I wonder if the Walloon government is willing to sell Spa If not, they should not complain any longer and organize the Belgian Grand Prix every year. " Motorsport-Total.com
07/25/11 (GMM) A well-connected figure in Belgian motor sport has suggested there is a serious buyer for the fabled Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Fabled and popular Spa is currently controlled by the local Walloon government, who are said keen on a solution to cut costs by annually alternating its formula one hosting rights with a circuit in France.
But on Monday, 2004 Minardi reserve driver Bas Leinders suggested a buyer is keen to invest in Spa-Francorchamps to ensure it can stay on the F1 calendar every year.
The first rumor is that the "big investment company" suggested by Leinders, who is also a F1 commentator for Belgian television RTBF and a driver in the FIA GT1 series, is Renault team owner Genii.
Leinders, also captain of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, added on Twitter: "I wonder if the Walloon government are willing to sell Spa … if not they should stop complaining and organize GP every year."