Zoom Plenty of potential new markets for F1

Bulgarian organisers have scrapped its Formula One plans. The organising body Bulgarian Motorcycling Federation (BMF) had held meetings with Bernie Ecclestone and reportedly even received a race contract for 2011-2015.

But BMF chief Bogdan Nikolov has announced that the plans, as well as the federation, have been suspended. The Bulgarian sports minister had announced this week that only "land for construction" would be provided.

"At the end of what was possibly our most successful season ever, we have to suspend all activities and shut down the federation," Nikolov is quoted as saying by the Sofia Echo newspaper.

"This federation cannot be sustained by the personal loans that I myself provide. I have to pay off debts and loans from banks, I even sold some of my own personal property to keep operations going."

He added that there is "no sign" that the government will change its approach to funding in the future.

Meanwhile, a Czech racing team owner is in talks with DTM about hosting a round of the German touring car series near the capital city Prague.

Autoweek reports that Toni Charouz, who has been involved with Le Mans, A1 and DTM teams, also wants to bring Formula One to the Czech Republic.

"Formula One is the ambition," he said. "If we put on a good show with the DTM, then maybe we can have a grand prix, but we've got nothing on paper yet."

Regular F1 track designer Hermann Tilke has already produced a rough draft of a $166m part-permanent facility, which would be located very close to the city centre.

Charouz, targeting the first races for 2012, said the planning process is "90% complete".

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM