SEPTEMBER 10, 2002

Formula 1 calendar to change?

The provisional Formula 1 calendar is expected to change when the FIA Formula 1 Commission meets again before the World Motor Sport Council meeting in October. We understand that the teams have made it clear to Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone that they are not willing to accept the current situation .

The provisional Formula 1 calendar is expected to change when the FIA Formula 1 Commission meets again before the World Motor Sport Council meeting in October. We understand that the teams have made it clear to Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone that they are not willing to accept a situation in which there are 17 races and no midsummer break and, even if it makes life difficult for Ecclestone, the calendar will have to be changed to create the extra weekend off.

Exactly what will happen is not yet clear but there is speculation that the Belgian GP will be switched with the Austrian event in May. It is possible, in this case, that the Hungarian GP could be pushed back a week so that there is only a week between the Hungarian and Austrian events.

One other possible option is that the German GP be moved from its current provisional date of August 3 back to July 27. This would create a back-to-back with the British GP, which is due to happen on July 20. This might not be possible given that everything would need to go across the English Channel on ferries, which would slow down the set-up work.

Whatever the case, there are likely to be two back-to-backs next year if the teams are to have a summer holiday.