NOVEMBER 2, 1998

Menem meets Ecclestone

BERNIE ECCLESTONE met Argentine President Carlos Menem when he visited London last week. The two discussed the future of the Argentine Grand Prix and we believe that the two have agreed on a package that will save the race and that it will be reinstated on the F1 calendar when the FIA World Council meets again in December. While there is speculation that this could result in the Chinese Grand Prix being dropped, we think it is more likely that China will stay and that San Marino will be dropped. There is no sign that the Italian government is doing anything to solve the problem of dangerous sports being covered only by criminal law. Argentina and China could both happen if China follows Australia as planned and then Argentina slots in after Brazil, probably on Sunday, April 26. There would then be a three-week gap before the Monaco GP on May 16.