|
||||||
            |
NewsF1 Grand Prix: Francorchamps re-enlisted until 2015!    Francorchamps is all smiles, the region is rubbing its hands, Belgium is proud. F1 has signed up for 3 years so the Walloon Government has attained its objective. "We have managed to negotiate an extension of the contract for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 for the Grand Prix in Wallonia at Spa-Francorchamps, the Belgian Grand Prix", the Walloon Minister of Finance, Jean-Claude Marcourt explained in the columns of L’Avenir. "I wanted to reduce the amount of expenditure in the Walloon Region budget, and when we compare the obligations undertaken in the preceding contract and this new one, I'd say we've accomplished our mission Of course, there is still an outlay involved but it’s smaller. What we're doing is reinforcing the attractiveness of Belgium". The Tour de France passing through and a F1 Grand Prix two short months later shows Wallonia's judicious placement of "marketing" pawns. Over the years, the spring classics have given a great send-off to the season. In the cycling world Belgium plays pole position and it's not by chance that the Tour "Big Loop" organisers have fallen under the charms of Liège and its wonderful hinterland. Their loyalty is the best gauge.
With over 150 countries linked to each Grand Prix and several hundred million television viewers each year, the F1 is in the top three of world events along with the World Cup and the Olympics. Classed as a Lilliputian country, don't try to explain that you're Belgian if you're on holiday on another continent. On the contrary, you'd have more chance if you said Spa-Francorchamps. Then, if you're talking to one of these millions of F1 television spectators, it’s Bingo! In the world of globalisation, the F1 is a marvellous showcase where Belgium features prominently. A good yellow and red rooster! Let's be proud of what the majority of drivers call the most beautiful circuit in the world. The Belgian F1 Grand Prix, is a bit like a Tour de France, but confined to the Eau Rouge valley. It is the locomotive that is the driving force in the socio-economic activity of the region. Francorchamps, represents activities every day from mid-March to mid-November with thousands of participants and hundreds of thousands of visitors. Crowing a bit more! Francorchamps has also been an important chapter in the grand saga of motor sports. One implacable businessman is particularly conscious of this: "I've spoken with Bernie Ecclestone at Silverstone and I think he really likes us" concludes André Maes in the columns of La Meuse Verviers. |
 |
||||
