FEBRUARY 20, 2001

The shows gets underway

THE first of the seven Boeing 747 "Jumbo" jets arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday evening and two more were due to arrive on Wednesday. The three planes were carrying Bernie Ecclestone's digital television center. The Formula 1 teams are currently rushing to get everything ready for the departure of the cars and freight. Three 747s carrying the majority of the equipment are due to arrive in Melbourne on Sunday. The arrival of Michelin as a rival to Bridgestone means that this year the F1 circus has had to expand to seven Jumbos, the last of which will arrive in Melbourne on Monday next week.

It is already anticipated that an eighth will be needed next year when Toyota Motorsport becomes the 12th Formula 1 team.

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