FEBRUARY 10, 2004

Trouble for Baumgartner

The Hungarian Sports Ministry has cancelled a deal worth $4m, knocking a big hole in the Hungarian driver's budget for 2004. The government has tried to offset the problem a little with a promotional deal from the Hungaroring worth $290,000. Baumgartner says that the problem will not affect his drive with Minardi as the payment schedule will be restructured. Baumgartner still has another $5m for the drive.

The deal was cancelled - ostensibly by the government and Baumgartner because of adverse public opinion as it is thought more important that the state improve the situation with housing and other social issues.