Alternation does not please everyone

The project of alternating between the Belgian Grand Prix and the French Grand Prix is once again at the center of F1 news since the Figaro published an article announcing that the project was on track and that France should return to the F1 calendar in 2013.

That said, nothing is set in stone as of now. While the French side is genuinely willing, some Belgian politicians worry about seeing the Grand Prix only every other year. “I feel there’s no political will to maintain the Grand Prix annually. The Belgium-France alternation only serves to avoid causing a stir in the Olivier majority (with Écolo). If the Grand Prix leaves every other year, it will eventually leave for good. What will we weigh against France?” explains regional deputy Hervien Pierre-Yves Jeholet after questioning the Walloon Minister of Economy (Jean-Claude Marcourt) on this issue.

Jean-Claude Marcourt, who in an interview given yesterday to the Belgian daily l’Avenir suggested that the alternation is not inevitable. “I am attached to the Grand Prix, to the circuit, but not at any price. The population would not understand if we do not reduce the budgetary footprint of the Grand Prix,” declares the Walloon Minister of Economy.

In the paddock, the attachment is also real. Martin Whitmarsh has often repeated that it is necessary to keep the historic circuits. The McLaren team principal is joined by the Ferrari boss, who is also concerned about the situation at Spa. For many years, a historic Grand Prix like that of France has been missing from the calendar, and today, a legendary circuit like Spa-Francorchamps is also in danger… to be replaced by what?

Others have defended the Ardennes slide. On his Twitter account, Mark Webber considered this idea shitty. The Australian was joined by Paul Hembery who said he « agreed with Mark, leave Spa alone.

In any case, the Walloon Minister of Economy hopes to clarify the situation within 4 to 5 weeks. A case to follow, then.