rec.autos.simulators

I think we introduced it in '98, but the GP got an exception for a couple of
years. Again, our current situation is no different than the one in Germany,
France and the UK.

There are no ties to Belgium for the major sponsors and manufacturers and
that is a reason why Spa is on the most expendable list along with Hungary,
but the sigarette thing is a smokescreen, an excuse, I'm sure of it. So is
every motoring journalist in the country. Some of whom claim Ecclestone has
off the record admitted as much.

Trust me, I know from 1st and 2nd hand experience what the RACB and the
regional marshalling association are like. It's the little local dictators
that***Bernie off no end.

Jan.
=---

...

What is RACB?  Racing Auto Club of Belgium??

Thanks for the local insight.

Jim

Yes it seems that the tobacco ad ban contravenes the contract Spa had with the
FIA, rather than bringing forward plans for 2006. From what I can see Belgium
are trying to do what the UK have already done - remove the tobacco sponsorship
car liveries and advertising hoardings, replacing them with more wholesome
products like lager.

I've heard comments here in Brussels that it was the Flemish majority in
Parliament trying to deprive the French speaking area around Spa of one of
their big events and therefor they pushed this anti-tobacco issue - do you
think that could be true?

Achim

Everything is a "communotair" issue over here Achim. The ban's most fervent
champion, Louis Van Velthoven is indeed Flemish (Limburg) and has an axe to
grind with Wallon's Louis Michel (party issues and the trouble around the
Voeren enclave).

This being Belgian politics there's sure to be an unlterior motive to public
health, but I think it's a bit simplistic to suppose it's a deliberate
attempt by the Flemisch to hurt the Wallon region. Seeing as we (the
Flemish) are supposed to stump up the lion's share of the cash for FN if the
arms deal with Nepal falls through, I don't think this government is
actually hostile to the Wallon economy. It could be a way for the
socialist/liberal government to score on a European level without hurting
the majority of their electorate... that's possible.

Like I said, in local motorsport press the story is the streneous
relationship between  the organisation/circuit holding, the RACB and
Ecclestone/FIA. Over not letting Bernie's digital TV have enough priveliges
over the national broadcaster, e.g.

Jan.
=---

Royal Automobile Club de Belgique, Belgian motorsport sanctioning body.

Jan.
=---

Achim

Thanks!
-- Doug