French GP Deadline may be Extended

The 2004 French Grand Prix could be thrown a further lifeline despite a New Year's eve deadline to decide the troubled race's fate.

"I don't anticipate that the deadline is going to be one that is rigidly imposed," Minardi boss Paul Stoddart told Reuters on Tuesday. "I don't think there is such a thing as a deadline by tomorrow."

Formula One's governing body, the FIA, handed France a reprieve this month when it gave the local federation an end-of-year ultimatum to secure Magny-Cours' July 4th slot on the calendar. Two conditions had to be met before January 1 for the race to happen however.

Firstly, the FIA had to receive confirmation of a contract between Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management and the French Motor Sports Federation (FFSA). Secondly, all 10 teams had to agree to what would be an unprecedented 18th race on the calendar - and one at which tobacco advertising is banned.

While the FFSA have said that a signed contract has been sent to Formula One Management, Stoddart confirmed that the team bosses had yet to be sounded out.

"There's been no vote, nothing at all," he said. "But that's not the be-all and end-all. Don't read too much into it. There's a team bosses meeting planned for mid-January and I'm sure it will come out there."

Financial Guarantees

Problems remain, even if the deadline is allowed to slip.

The Burgundy region, due to contribute two million euros ($2.50 million US) as part of financial guarantees for the race, has had its budget rejected by opposition politicians and another vote is not expected before the end of January.

Even if the financial guarantees are nailed down, the decisive factor is likely to be whether or not teams are paid extra to attend what now amounts to an additional race. Media reports have suggested a figure of around $2 million US per team and Stoddart said Minardi would not agree to go without compensation. "Clearly, there are costs to cover," he said.

The confidential Concorde Agreement governing the sport's business affairs lays down a limit of 17 races but FFSA head Jacques Regis ruled out local organisers making extra payments in an interview with Liberation newspaper on December 13th.

Canada, struck off the first draft calendar and then reinstated, was to have been the extra race but Montreal signed a contract with Ecclestone while France was still provisional.

Even if teams vote against 18 races, some Formula One sources say Bahrain could still keep French hopes alive. The country is due to host the first Grand Prix in the Middle East on April 4th but the European media have aired safety fears and concerns about the pace of construction of the new circuit.

Organisers issued a statement this month assuring that 'all necessary precautionary measures' were being taken and Ecclestone gave the track a ringing endorsement when he visited the venue before Christmas.

Stoddart also played down the security fears on Tuesday: "The only issue with Bahrain is whether the track is ready in time or not," he said.