[RildFiemodo]

Well, I've got this from a Dutch news site, maybe someone has the same story in English. The original story came from the Belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique.

http://www.nusport.nl/autosport/2087...geschorst.html

Translation:
The licence who permits the use of the Spa track in Belgium until 2026, has been suspended. The Belgian Councel of State has suspended the licence after ongoing complaints of the local residents, who handed in an official complaint back in 2007. The organisers made a study about noise complaints, but the Councel found it insufficient. Recent studies has showed that they cannot garantue that the circuit imposes to recover the damage it causing in the area, thus a licence suspension.

It's said that they're working on a solution. It's uncertain if next years Belgian Grand Prix is in danger.

[ggiifdfalls]

Stupid Belgian Council of my rear side. They probably never thought about the consequences.
How is that people who can't ever realize what they are doing always manage to get jobs in positions where they can decide what others should do?!

[cialesxtr]

It really grates me when "local residents" complain about the noise coming from a track, this has happened with Brands Hatch before I believe. I'd have sympathy with them if a new track was suddenly built on their doorstep, but Spa has existed since the 1920s, and has actually shrunk since then! At least they don't have cars racing literally past their doorstep like they used to in the good old days!

I'm sure Bernie will be bouncing off the walls if this has any substance though, he gets to ditch Spa for another government funded sandbowl without bearing any of the responsibility himself!

[infarrelisam]

I don't really have time for residents making complaints about noise. Spa was a race circuit since the 1920's, and bar the 1970's, has still been a racing circuit. Racing circuits = engines = noise. If they don't like it they shouldn'tve bought a house there!

Same goes for Monza.

[ephennaCypota]

grrrrrrr. Is nothing sacred anymore??????Ok, lambic, chocolate, and Spa. I've developed a bizarre and unfortunate allergy to most Belgian ales and my waist line demands I avoid the chocolate. What other need is there for Belgium? If they are going to axe the race, just axe the whole damned place.

friggin idiots.

[ggiifdfalls]

What other need is there for Belgium?

Pommes frites?!

I know most people call them 'French fries' even though their origin is definitely Belgium.

[zdoppiklonikaa]

I don't really have time for residents making complaints about noise. Spa was a race circuit since the 1920's, and bar the 1970's, has still been a racing circuit. Racing circuits = engines = noise. If they don't like it they shouldn'tve bought a house there!

Same goes for Monza.

Exactly. Its not like the estate agent could hide it on a viewing. "So here we have the living room, kitchen, beautiful garden - oh and ignore the big race track the property backs onto, you'll never notice it"

The only people with the right to complain in the brands hatch case (e.g people who's properties were older than the track) didn't give a hoot about the noise. It was just the new residents. Back in the bad old days (1999-2003ish) we weren't allowed to even get tire noise at surtees/clearways on trackdays etc.. stupid!

[Kneefrenolf]

oh, no
but yes... I think some constructions around the track are older than the track in spa, so I think the residents have the right to not be happy about it, but it's a complicated case, the track have a big importance, and generate money for that area... and it is there for a long time to...

[RildFiemodo]

A prime example is Zandvoort I think, who suffered from ongoing enviromental actions and noise complaints when the F1 Grand Prix was still hosted there. This partly let to the downfall of the commercial holders and therefore the Dutch GP after 1985.

[Solo3uc4]

this is some kinda joke right?

these residents cannot deal with the noise for 3 days out of 365?
At the most historic race track in the world?
Spa has been a race track since the 1920's far out dating all the residents living there (who incidentally profit mightily with jacked up rates on everything in the town) many of whom actually leave the area during the race and lease out their homes at astronomical prices.

It is most likely the complaint of one or two useless individuals and the blame has to lie squarely with the court for taking up the matter instead of throwing it out as nonsense. If the Belgian GP leaves, the same idiots will be complaining about the economic downturn to their region and how their lives are miserable. We truly live in a sad time.

[Texdolley]

I don't really have time for residents making complaints about noise. Spa was a race circuit since the 1920's, and bar the 1970's, has still been a racing circuit. Racing circuits = engines = noise. If they don't like it they shouldn'tve bought a house there!

Same goes for Monza.

Even if the activity was greatly increased since they went to live there? Because that is the case, the 2007 license granted a lot more trackdays and other weekday events than before.

[Texdolley]

this is some kinda joke right?

these residents cannot deal with the noise for 3 days out of 365?

You know, there is more in the world then F1. The track is used several days in the week, every week of the year.

[PickEmUp]

How dare people complain about the noise given off by one of the finest racing circuits in the world! how dare residents hinder millions of people just because of the noise. Brands Hatch. Silverstone. Now spa. its all happened to them. how dare residents put a GP in danger in future because of their own personal problems with it, if they dont like it, they should leave! I for one would love to have a house near spa, if they dont like it, get out! If residents didnt think they were more importnat than several million grand prix watchers, we wouldnt be in this kerfuffle!

aargh, they do my head in!

[ggiifdfalls]

Turbo diesels and electric engines are the future!

[ephennaCypota]

Pommes frites?!

I know most people call them 'French fries' even though their origin is definitely Belgium.

Yeah, but then they want to go slather them in nasty ol mayonnaise like my wife. YUCK.

[ephennaCypota]

You know, there is more in the world then F1. The track is used several days in the week, every week of the year.

As it has been for many many years. I'd build a house right at the end of the old pit lane and enjoy every last minute of living there.

They have these things, they are called ear muffs........

[PickEmUp]

Turbo diesels and electric engines are the future!

enter Audi and Peugeot.........

[pumpineemob]

didn't they recently prove that the Belgish actually invented cricket/

[ggiifdfalls]

Yeah, but then they want to go slather them in nasty ol mayonnaise like my wife. YUCK.

I agree!

[maliboia]

The chips and mayonaise were the only reason I went back because Spa was the biggest dump I've ever been too. I went in 2001 and 2002 before the track got much needed improved facilities. The waffles are good too.