The FIA has turned down a request ...

Published on 12 December 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

The FIA has turned down a request of the French government to reinstate the French Grand Prix on the 1998 race calendar. The FIA said they had not received the guarantees demanded from the French government over television coverage. The FIA added that with the addition of the French Grand Prix the total number of races would then be 17, which would be a problem for the teams according to the FIA. The season the teams also drove 17 races. Marie-George Buffet, the French Sports Minister hasn't given up hope though. This year the French GP was reinstated in April she said full of hope.

The Belgian and Portuguese Grand Prix also are in jeopardy. Both organisations have had delay of execution until December 31 to resolve matters. The Belgian Grand Prix is in danger because of a complete tobacco ban law that will come into effect in Belgium. The Portuguese Grand Prix is in jeopardy, just as it was this year, because necessary construction works to the circuit haven't been completed yet. China and South Africa, let's say not too far from home, are named as possible replacements.

And if this is not enough the FIA has also punished the city of Jerez. The mayor of the town hadn't behaved himself, according to the FIA, during the handing out of the trophies at the European Grand Prix. So Jerez will not be able to host a Grand Prix next season.

Paul Stoddard, the Director of European Aviation has bought two examples of the Tyrrell 025. European Aviation is a partner of Tyrrell and offers the team windtunnel facilities. Nigel Greensall and Paul Stoddard recently drove their new cars at Donington Park.