Grand Prix under threat

By Martin Banks

Date: 22/01/04

SIX Grand Prix motor races are in jeopardy amid concerns over the newly introduced European Arrest Warrant.

Formula One team chiefs fear that under the legislation, which came into effect on

1 January, they could face extradition in the event of a fatal incident in a race.

The UK, Spain and Belgium are all signatories to the warrant while France, Germany and Italy have pledged to implement the legislation by March. Grand Prix races in each country, scheduled to run between 9 May and 12 September, could be in the firing line.

Max Mosley, president of the sport's world governing body, FIA, said: "This is a matter of serious concern and the FIA will continue to hold talks with the various

EU governments and European Commission in an attempt to resolve it."

Formula One racing team managers are concerned that under the European Arrest Warrant, which came into effect on 1 January 2004, they could face extradition in the event of a fatal incident in a race.