APRIL 28, 2003

How not to get a Grand Prix

A few years ago the authorities in Portugal were gung-ho about bringing Formula 1 back to Estoril. It never came to anything and ever since then the track has been hosting minor events. The organizers have now blotted their copybook by deciding to cancel the opening round of the European Formula 3000 Championship, at just a few days notice because they were unable to find a sponsor for the event. Teams were left high and dry and the Portuguese will not have won any friends as a result. The European Formula 3000 series will now kick off at the Nurburgring on May 4.