10/01/2006
NEWS STORY
With several races already under threat, thanks to financial and environmental concerns, not to mention the realization that neither Italy nor Germany can continue to sustain two rounds of the Formula One World Championship, F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, has resumed his (seemingly) never-ending search for new Grand Prix hosts.
At the weekend he visited Greece, which clearly hasn't learned the lessons of other recent additions to the F1 calendar, and fails to understand that only one party really gains (financially) when a nation signs up to the F1 dream.
Visiting a prospective site close to Athens, the former Hellinikon Olympic complex, Ecclestone was clearly enthused, and of the several locations on offer, admitted that this was the most suitable. There are two other locations being considered, one near Patras, about 125 miles from Athens, and the other at Orchomenos, of which Ecclestone said, according to The Guardian: "Why do you look for a place for a circuit that is a further 80km from Athens? You have everything here."
The Hellinikon Olympic complex was built on the site of the old Athens airport, and (ironically) is part of the legacy of the 2004 Olympic games, a sporting event for which the Greeks, like several other former hosts, will be paying for many years to come.
Despite the appeal of F1, it is likely that hosting a round of the Formula One World Championship will, in time, become just as much of a burden. Greeks should beware Bernies bearing 'gifts'.