DECEMBER 1, 1997

Brussels announces F1 investigation

AS we revealed a couple of months ago the European Commission is to investigate whether Bernie Ecclestone's Formula 1 Holdings company should have the right to centrally-market the FIA's television rights for Grand Prix racing. The deal in place, which was submitted to the Commission for clearance on September 4 - began in January this year - and gives FOH the F1 TV rights for another 14 years. This deal - and about 80 others between FOH and television companies and race promoters - must be cleared by Competition Commissioner Karel Van Miert if the flotation of FOH is to go ahead. The value of FOH rests entirely on the deal being accepted.

Van Miert has given opponents a month to lodge objections.

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