FEBRUARY 19, 1996

Bernie is attacked...

FORMULA 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone flew to Las Vegas last week to discuss final details of the planned 1997 United States Grand Prix in the Nevada city. We hear that most of the necessary negotiations have now been completed and it is just a question of sorting out the details of the deal.

Unfortunately, Bernie was not able to achieve a great deal as shortly after his arrival he was attacked by a dog at the house where he was staying and suffered facial injuries which were serious enough to require surgery.

The 65-year-old was back in England at the end of last week, and it is no surprise to hear that he was soon back in his office, although he is spending this week recuperating at his ski chalet at the chic Alpine resort of Gstaad in Switzerland.

It remains to be seen whether the incident will have any effect on Bernie's plans for the Las Vegas race - but given the money which is reportedly involved in the deal, it is unlikely.