Journalists Skip Malaysian GP over Health Concerns

Several regular Formula One journalists have decided to skip this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix because of concerns over the flu epidemic that has hit the area and the possibility of repercussions over a war with Iraq.

French newspaper L'Equipe, usually a key player in the Formula One paddock, flew their journalists back to Europe after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and have forced them to remain in France for this weekend.

The paper cited "special circumstances" in the Far East for their absence at Sepang and added: "We do not want to take risks with any of our journalists so have decided not to attend. Our readers will still be able to read all the necessary information about the Grand Prix in Malaysia and normal service will return for the next race in Brazil."

L'Equipe are concerned about the safety in Malaysia after a deadly flu epidemic understood to have begun in China was spread around the world when an infected medical professor visited Hong Kong's Metropole Hotel.

There have been nine deaths from the hugely contagious disease but most of the 264 cited cases are in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore and one Formula One journalist has already been caught up in the problems.

Martin le Clerc, from the Journal de Montreal, travelled to Hong Kong for a break after attending the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne but has admitted "it was a serious mistake" after being forced to return home.