As usual at this time of year, stories are circulating that this year’s edition could be the last for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. It all comes down to tobacco advertising, as the Belgian government always seems to be out of step with the rest of the European powers, when it comes to phasing out cigarette money.

While most European nations have agreed to end tobacco sponsorship in motor sport at the end of 2006, the Belgians have opted for 31st July 2003. This could see the end of one of the most famous races on the calendar at one of the last truly great road circuits.

One possible option for next year would be to re-jig the F1 calendar to bring the Belgian GP forward to a pre 31st July date.