French GP could be axed

The 2004 French Grand Prix is almost certain to be cancelled after it was reported that race organisers are unable to provide the necessary financial guarantees to Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone.

If the cancellation of the race is confirmed, organisers of the British GP may push for their race to be put back to July 11.

The Silverstone meeting had been scheduled for July 4 but race officials want to avoid a clash with the Wimbledon men’s singles final and the Euro 2004 final if at all possible.

Marcel Charmant, president of the Nievre regional authority where the Magny-Cours track is located, told French newspaper Journal du Centre: “It is not possible to give Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone the guarantees he requires for the finance of the race in 2004.”

French GP organisers still owe around £6million to Ecclestone from this season’s race and that payment must be received before the World Motorsports Council meets on December 12 to have any chance of being on the list for 2004.

The race was only provisionally included on the 2004 calendar, which would feature a record 18 races if the French GP is included. The race has been staged at Magny-Cours since 1991.