Confusion over F1 calendar

(01-Oct-98) - The publication of next year's Formula 1 calendar has been
delayed because of problems with some races.

Bernie Ecclestone has told teams that he can only confirm that the season
would begin on March 7. It is assumed this date would be filled by the
Australian Grand Prix.

One extra race, in Malaysia, will be added to this year's 16 events.
South-East Asia's first ever Grand Prix, will be slotted in before the
season-closer in Japan. The other races are said to be in the same order as
this year.

However, there are still doubts about Malaysia due to the civil unrest and
also France, a possible reason being that the dispute over access for TV
companies is still rumbling on.

The Luxembourg Grand Prix held in Germany is also said to be in danger. The
race was set up with the help of German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who allowed
it to ignore the country's voluntary agreement on tobacco advertising. Kohl
lost Germany's general election on Sunday.

The full list of dates is expected to be published in mid-October.

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