JUNE 16, 1997

The 18th race option

FORMULA 1 team bosses will have to decide whether they want to have a 18th race this year.

FORMULA 1 team bosses will have to decide whether they want to have a 18th race this year. The FIA World Motor Sports Council discussed the matter last week in Paris and ruled that it has no objection to an eighteenth race if the teams agree - but only if all the work asked for is done by the end of August.

The Council confirmed that there will be a European Grand Prix at Jerez on the Estoril's original date (October 26) but noted the Portuguese proposal for a race on November 9.

The teams are not particularly happy about the situation but will probably agree if pressured. It remains to be seen, however, whether or not the authorities in Portugal can possibly do all the work in the time available. This is doubtful.