DECEMBER 6, 2001

Premier 1 delays its launch

THERE was no great surprise in Formula 1 circles when the Premier 1 organized that it has shelved plans to launch the new F1-lookalike series until March 2003. The series had been due to start in July 2002. The problem appears to be commercial relationships between the series and the racing circuits.

The organizers of the series say that there has been a positive response from football clubs, television companies, race teams and drivers, corporate sponsors, licensing partners and the FIA but it has been concluded that more time is needed.

Premier 1 did admit that the rescheduling of the championship will give Reynard more time to build the cars.

"Everything is still firmly on track," says Robin Webb, Operations Director of Premier1 Grand Prix. "We will be revealing the identity of new partner clubs from counties including France, Germany and Spain in the next few weeks."

At the moment there are only four clubs involved: Anderlecht, Benfica, Feyenoord and Leeds United.