Premier1 GP delayed for a year

The series, which involves the world's leading football clubs putting their names and liveries on the 24 one-make racers being built by Reynard, was due to kick off in July 2002. Now the organisers are claiming it will start in March 2003.

The reason for the delay has been blamed on a need for more time to finalise the commercial deals with race circuits, according to a statement. The decision comes in the wake of the organisers claiming they are unfazed by the £125 million required to get the project off the ground (see AUTOSPORT magazine, November 22).

Christian Scholbrock, director of marketing for Premier1, made an effort to put a brave face on the set-back: "We have been overwhelmed by the huge enthusiasm for Premier1 GP coming from the many parties involved and that includes positive response from football clubs, television companies, race teams and drivers, corporate sponsors and licensing partners as well as the FIA, motorsport's governing body. The passion for our plan means that we must ensure that everything is in place before the races commence.

"These extra eight months will guarantee Premier1 GP's long-term success."

Operations director Robin Webb added: "There was very little contingency in our original timing. The extra eight months we have now given ourselves will provide us with a little bit more breathing space for the build, supply and full testing of the 50 single-seater chassis required for the series."