MAY 1, 2002
Moscow delays again - race in doubt
According to the Russian newsagency Interfax the construction costs are $1.5bn with a seven year deal costing $250m. These figures are well in excess of accepted figures for both building circuits (which usually cost about $100m) and fees which cost in the region of $100m for seven years.
Whether these amazing figures are a reporting error or whether there is more to it than meets the eye remain a mystery, but if they are correct there is no chance of a Grand Prix of Russia as such vast sums are out of proportion to the value of a race to the country.
The news will be greeted with joy in the Middle East where there are several bids for a race.
We are still watching Bahrain...