Grapevine: Race to Make Way for Russian GP Begins

Following Bernie Ecclestone's announcement that Russia will host a Formula One Grand Prix once a suitable circuit is ready, speculation began about which race will be dropped from the current calendar.

When asked if one of the current 17 Grands Prix would have to be dropped to make way for the Russian event, Ecclestone said: "Yes, we either have to add or lose a race and we're not going to add any more races."

The most likely candidates seem to be the San Marino, European, Hungarian or Brazilian Grands Prix. The Imola race (San Marino) seems to be on top of the list, especially since its contract expired this year and is yet be renewed. The fact that there is another race in Italy - the Italian Grand Prix at Monza - could play against the San Marino race.

"It could possibly be one of the new ones and there are already two races in Germany and Italy," said Eddie Jordan today. "Whatever the system is I am sure they will propose a rota then one of the countries we have with two races will lose out to Moscow.

"I just hope they get the timing right because we have seen with Silverstone what can happen if they do not get good planning in terms of the best weather conditions."

The European Grand Prix at Nurburgring is also among the favourites to be dropped since Germany already hosts the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. However, the Nurburgring organisers are set to invest $10 million in order to improve the track facilities.

Brazil and Hungary may be also under threat due to the lack of financial support.

However, work to build the track at Nagatino island in Moscow is set to start in Spring 2001 and should be finished within two years so the first Russian race is not expected to take place before 2004.