The Belgian grand prix has been cancelled this year to allow the Spa track to be improved, Formula One's ruling body said on Wednesday.

The race was scheduled for Sept. 17 but has been in doubt for several weeks because of problems over who would promote it after the previous promoter went bankrupt due to poor ticket sales.

"The Belgian National Sporting Authority, the RACB, has written to notify the FIA of the withdrawal of the 2006 Belgian Grand Prix from the FIA Formula One World Championship," the FIA, the sport's ruling body, said in a statement.