LONDON, 31 January 2003 — The 2004 French Formula One 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 yesterday.
“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 4 slot on the calendar.
Two conditions had to be met before Jan. 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.”
Problems remain, even if the deadline is allowed to slip.
The Burgundy region, due to contribute two million euros ($2.50 million) 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 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 organizers making extra payments in an interview with Liberation newspaper on Dec. 13.
