The First Totally Ecological Race Track in the World

A plan to build a new Formula 1 race track outside Paris that would be, according to the architect, the first totally ecological race track in the world has turned into a row between France's sports car-mad prime minister and two cabinet members who say it would be an ecological disaster.

Hundreds of environmentalists demonstrated over the weekend in Versailles against the track with banners saying: "F1: Non, Organic (farming): Yes".

Alain Prost, the former quadruple world champion who has lobbied for the Paris area track, said that it had become the victim of a "political problem".

"Things have to be clear at the government level," he told Le Journal du Dimanche. "It's typical of France." "A Grand Prix around Paris would be as strong (a message) as the football World Cup," he added. Mr Prost recently declared that France was "anti-cars".

Formula One Race in India In 2009

After a lot of meetings and rumours the Indian Olympic Association has finally announced that it has come to an agreement with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone for conducting an F1 race in New Delhi from 2009. Ecclestone has for quite some time been engaged trying to widen the extent of influence for F1 races. At present Malaysia and Singapore hosts F1 races in Asia. India is one of the largest consumer markets in the world with a booming economy and an F1 race will no doubt be beneficial to both India and Ecclestone.

IOA president Suresh Kalmadi said the agreement was preliminary and conditional on having a venue approved.

The city does not currently have a racing track.

"We have received a letter in this regard from Bernie Ecclestone," said Kalmadi. "The IOA will be the promoter, the first event will be held in 2009."

He added: We are looking to identify suitable land for a world-class track."

Ecclestone warns British government to help or lose F1 race

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned that Britain could lose the right to hold a grand prix after Silverstone's contract runs out in 2009 and has called on the Government help fund a redevelopment of the ailing circuit.

Ecclestone is to begin negotiations with Silverstone's owners BRDC soon but admits that the current state of the British race is not up to scratch.

"The Government could and should do something to help ensure the BRDC does not lose the F1 event," Ecclestone told the Daily Express.

Report: Australian Formula One Grand prix cost 'outweighs benefit'

The cost of the staging the Australian Formula One Grand Prix outweighs its benefit to Victorians, a report to the state government has found.

The Victorian Auditor General's report into State Investment in Major Events found the social cost of staging the 2005 Grand Prix was $69.8 million.

The cost to the community through government agency costs, loss of the use of the Albert Park Lake area, traffic diversion and noise was estimated to be $1.7 million.

Costs to the community did not include losses by local traders.

However, the report says the race may cause some households to spend in different areas.
"The grand prix is likely to increase local spending in Victoria because of the extra spending by interstate and overseas visitors rather than reduce it, " the report says.

Read full article here