Oct.24 (GMM) Jean Todt insists the FIA cannot guarantee historic Spa-Francorchamps' place on the annual formula one calendar.

The much-loved Belgian venue is struggling with profits and facing down Bernie Ecclestone's threat that one or two European races will need to be scrapped to make room for incoming events in the US and Russia.

F1's governing body once insisted that certain events should be safeguarded by the FIA.

But on a visit to the new Korean circuit, Jean Todt told the Flemish daily De Standaard: "The world and the economy is constantly changing.

"So we have to be careful. In Belgium, the problem is less a sporting one, and more one of government.

"We hope the Belgian grand prix will be on the calendar for a long time, because it is a fantastic circuit. But when the money runs out, there is a problem," added the Frenchman.

FIA president Todt also spoke about France's chances of returning to F1 in the near future.

"I am French but I am not responsible for putting a grand prix in France," he is quoted by L'Equipe.

"It is about the country, the national federation, the promoter, and Bernie Ecclestone's FOM.

"When these things come together, the FIA - as legislator - has the responsibility to endorse the circuit. But we are not involved in the (other) process.

"If you think France should have a grand prix, I think so too. But, unfortunately, not everything is in place to allow this," added Todt.

He also dismissed as "speculation" reports that his authority at the FIA is set to be challenged by a coup headed by Max Mosley and Ecclestone.

"We are serious people," said Todt. "I have known Max for many years and I would never have been a candidate if he had wanted to stay.

"He clearly said that it was time for him to step away. I have a very good relationship with Max, but he is very busy with his own affairs," he added.

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version