Spa has ‘no fear’ of ING exit

(GMM) Organizers of the Belgian grand prix insist they are not worried about the Dutch bank ING's scaling-back of its formula one sponsorship program.

As well as naming sponsorship of the Renault team, and widespread trackside advertising, the beleaguered company is also title sponsor of four races, including the one at Spa-Francorchamps.

ING is cutting back on aspects of its F1 activities this year, but the entire program will be reviewed mid-season.

But Spa boss Andre Maes, already presiding over the losses of the 2008 race, said: "We have nothing to fear. Our contract is not with ING, but with the company that organizes all of the (F1) advertising."

Maes said his "biggest fear" is the impact ING's problems will have on ticket sales. "In 2008," he explained, "they reserved 3000 tickets for their employees and customers."