Motor Racing: Donington struck off grand prix calendar: Japan to host two races
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Your support makes all the difference.BRITAIN's second Formula One race, the Grand Prix of Europe, at Donington Park, has been dropped from the revised 1994 World Championship calendar issued by FIA, the sport's governing body, in Paris last night.
The East Midlands circuit had been listed on the original schedule but the world council has recommended instead a second race for Japan, to be called the Pacific Grand Prix. South Africa is to lose its place to Argentina, which is now due to host the opening round, on 20 March. That date is still provisional, as is Brazil's projected race, the following week. Another grand prix listed as provisional is the Hungarian event, on 14 August.
The decision to drop Donington was not unexpected but is still a blow to Tom Wheatcroft and his team, who defied tight schedules and appalling weather to stage an excellent meeting last Easter. They will hope there may be a further shuffle of the programme and a reprieve. The proposals are to be submitted to a meeting of the general assembly, tomorrow.
The much debated 1994 sporting regulations, relating to traction control and other driver aids have been approved. But, in a surprise move, active suspension can continue to be used. Max Mosley, the FIA president, said: 'Active suspension will be allowed in 1994 if it has no influence on the aerodynamics of the car.' It will be banned the following year.
Refuelling will be allowed and unofficial practice will be run in two 45-minute sessions, with a 15- minute break. The proposed restriction on engines and pit crew personnel has been withdrawn.
PROPOSED FORMULA ONE CALENDAR FOR 1994 SEASON: 20 March: Argentina (provisional); 27 March: Brazil (provisional); 17 April: Pacific; 1 May: San Marino; 15 May: Monaco; 29 May: Spain; 12 June: Canada; 3 July: France; 10 July: Great Britain; 31 July: Germany; 14 August: Hungary (provisional); 28 August: Belgium; 11 September: Italy; 25 September: Portugal; 6 November: Japan; 13 November: Australia.
Alfa Romeo, the winners of the German touring car championship, are threatening to boycott Sunday's world touring car race at Monza after a dispute with FIA. Alfa Romeo, based in nearby Milan, are at odds with FIA over technical regulations which forbid aerodynamic devices not found on the standard road car.
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