Belgian Organisers Could be Summoned by FIA

The organisers of the Belgian Grand Prix might have to face the FIA's world council after Formula One's governing body opened an enquiry into reports of heavy-handed policing at last month's race.

"I've heard about it, I've had a report and I've instituted an enquiry," International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley told a news conference at the Italian Grand Prix on Friday.

"Depending on the responses we get, we may or may not invite the organisers to appear in front of the (FIA's) world council at some stage in the next few months," Mosley added.

Accredited photographers have complained that police evicted them from a trackside enclosure at the La Source corner minutes before the start of the August 29 race and then used the area themselves to take pictures.

There were also reports of officers using unmuzzled dogs, threatening photographers with handcuffs and in one case drawing a pistol. An FIA source said the governing body was extremely concerned about the allegations, adding that a range of sanctions could be considered.

The race at Spa-Francorchamps was dropped from the Championship last year after a row over anti-tobacco legislation. A world motor sport council meeting next month will approve a final calendar for 2005, with an unprecedented 19 races on the provisional list.