Oct.21 (GMM) A Belgian politician has played down fears Spa-Francorchamps is set to lose its grand prix, but admitted that no European venue is completely safe.

Bernie Ecclestone said this week it is "absolutely" possible the famous and popular venue, which is reportedly struggling to pay the F1 chief executive's annual race fees, will be axed to make room on the calendar for the sport's expansion.

Jean-Claude Marcourt, economics minister of the local Walloon government, reacted cautiously to the 79-year-old Briton's comments.

"Formula one is becoming more globalised," he is quoted by the Belga news agency, "and some countries are sparing no expense to join in.

"But we should not dramatise the situation; negotiations are still gong on," added Marcourt.

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