Mexico prepares GP bid

Mexico last held a grand prix in Mexico City in 1992, and the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit is now used by the Champ Car World Series. The national secretary for tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo, and the regional governor, Joaquin Hendricks, has prepared a presentation for the FIA stating Mexico's case to return to the F1 calendar.

Officials at Cancun, which is on the northern Yucatan peninsula, are aiming for an April or May date in 2005. The venue is a massive tourist destination, and such an event could promote the region further.

Elizondo said: "We go into this with open eyes, to see if it is viable. With an event of this size, it would be perfect if it happened in April or May."

Mexico's timing could be fortuitous, as two of the established races on the American continent, in Brazil and Canada, have run into difficulties with local authorities and tobacco sponsorship respectively. F1 promoter Bernie Ecclestone is known to be keen for the sport to remain a presence in the Americas.

Mexico will host its first round of the World Rally Championship next year.