Germany set to keep two grands prix

Speaking to the German media last week, Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone hinted there was little reason to replace the Nurburgring's European GP race, the contract for which is up for renewal after 2004. Hockenheim's contract runs until 2008.

"They are doing a very good job," he said. "The facilities are good, the track as well, so at the moment we are happy with them. The organisers were also very co-operative over the tobacco ban. We'll talk about an extension."

Ecclestone has suggested that other European races may not be quite so safe. "We'll probably lose races in Europe," he said. "I suspect Europe will have a third world economy within the next decade anyhow.

"European politicians have taken the wrong direction in their thoughts. Maybe we won't have to cut races, Maybe some European GPs will disappear on their own."