Grapevine: Premier1 Delays Launch Date to 2003

The brakes were put on the newly developed Premier1 Grand Prix series on Wednesday when organisers announced a decision to delay its debut from July next year to March 2003.

The series, which aims to run a motorsport championship supported by the world's major football clubs, was due to begin in the latter part of next year.

But after signing just four clubs so far - Leeds, Anderlecht, Benfica and Feyenoord - the organisers have decided to delay the opening event for half a year.

"These extra eight months will guarantee Premier1 Grand Prix's long-term success," said Christian Scholbrock, Premier1's director of marketing. "We must ensure everything is in place before the races commence."

Since it was first announced, the series has been the subject of speculation over the true possibility of it getting off the ground.

However, operations director Robin Webb was quick to deny suggestions that the delay is the first step to ultimate failure.

"I emphasise that everything is still firmly on track," said Webb. "We will be revealing the identity of new partner clubs from countries including France, Germany and Spain in the next few weeks."

The extra eight months of preparation offers car builders Reynard more time to design, build and test the 50 single-seater chassis and the prototype is not now expected to be created until next April.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with the series, and former Formula One man Johnny Herbert recently revealed an interest in racing if and when it begins.