DECEMBER 22, 2001

Argentina falls into chaos

Argentina's dreams of sending young racing drivers to Europe and rebuilding its once great reputation as a motor racing nation are in tatters following the recent economic problems in the country, which has enormous foreign debts.

ARGENTINA's dreams of sending young racing drivers to Europe and rebuilding its once great reputation as a motor racing nation are in tatters following the recent economic problems in the country, which has enormous foreign debts. These led President Fernando de la Rua's government to try to prop up the economy with austerity measures but these resulted in violent rioting on the streets of Buenos Aires and de la Rua was forced to resign.

The problem now for Argentina is that none of the leading politicians wants to take power because the economic future is dismal. For the moment the leader of the Senate Ramon Puerta is acting as president. It is worth noting that one man who could be in the running for office is former Ferrari driver Carlos Reutemann, a leading member of the Peronist party.