Jan01

Beirut favourite for Grand Prix

A view of Nejmeh Square in downtown Beirut

A view of Nejmeh Square in downtown Beirut.

Picture: MEA707

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says he is hopeful that a race in the Middle East can be added to the Grand Prix calander within two years, with Lebanon favourite to land the deal.

Ecclestone has had preliminary talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri about a race around the streets of Beirut. He cited the need to bring in new sponsors as a reason for opening up the calender to the Middle East.

"It's nice - a new place for sponsors to come from and a nice place for people to go. New markets are opening up. During this year we will sort something out," he said.

Plans for a race around the streets of the city's Solidere district were mooted two years ago, at an estimated cost of between £30 million and £50 million.


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