FIA says British GP date is provisional

As revealed in a world exclusive by Autosport earlier this year (August 2), the FIA is demanding answers as to why pre- and post-race traffic jams were not improved in 2001. Silverstone was granted this year's race on the proviso that a new traffic plan would ease the problems, especially in light of the disastrous 2000 event that saw many spectators caught up in queues and bogged down in muddy car parks.

But the FIA wasn't happy with what happened this year either, and the MSA is currently in the process of holding an inquiry to examine the facts. The FIA confirmed its reservations today by only conditionally including the date, scheduled for July 7.

The MSA is expected to deliver its findings to the FIA in the next couple of weeks.

The British round is one of four that appear on the 2002 Formula 1 World Championship calendar with conditions attached. The season-opener in Australia is subject to the Coroner's inquiry into the fatal accident that befell a spectator marshal in this year's event when he was struck by a stray wheel from Jacques Villeneuve's BAR.

Both rounds in Italy, meanwhile, are subject to the outcome of new commercial agreements. Either the Italian GP at Monza or the San Marino GP at Imola are thought to be in jeopardy of losing their place on the calendar in the long term in the face of competition from venues such as Russia or China.

Next year's dates are listed below.


Australia, Melbourne, March 3
Malaysia, Sepang, March 17
Brazil, Interlagos, March 31
San Marino, Imola, April 14
Spain, Barcelona, April 28
Austria, A1-Ring, May 12
Monte Carlo, Monaco, May 26
Canada, Montreal, June 9
Europe, Nurburgring, June 23
Great Britain, Silverstone, July 7
France, Magny-Cours, July 21
Germany, Hockenheim, July 28
Hungary, Hungaroring, August 18
Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps, September 1
Italy, Monza, September 15
USA, Indianapolis, September 29
Japan, Suzuka, October 13



Subject to the Coroner's inquiry into the fatal accident during the 2001 Australian Grand Prix
Subject to the conclusion of a new commercial agreement
Subject to the outcome of the MSA inquiry into traffic arrangements during the 2001 British Grand Prix