AUGUST 12, 2000

Dennis dismisses 'Premier 1' series

MCLAREN team boss Ron Dennis has dismissed recent reports suggesting that a new football-related 'Premier 1' formula was to be launched at the start of the 2001-2002 season.

Dennis mocked stories that have appeared across Europe detailing a new series that will link the top football clubs of the continent and Formula One teams.

Reports had claimed that Formula One cars carrying the colors of football teams like Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus would compete in a championship on non-Grand Prix weekends.

"It is a waste of a lot of ink," said Dennis. "It's not happening is it? It can't be more than a source of humor for us all. I would say if you put a team of Formula One drivers together to play football it would make a lot more sense."