OCTOBER 26, 1998

Argentine President promises to save race

ARGENTINE President Carlos Menem is not going to let the country lose its Grand Prix because of financial difficulties. Menem, a former rally driver and a big fan of motor racing, is reported to be watching developments as a new group of promoters try to put together a budget to revive the race, which was left out of the 1999 World Championship calendar by theÊFIA.

At the moment Martin Salaberry, the owner of Deportes Motor, which runs the race, is trying to find alternative backing, with the help of Eduardo Ramirez, who is looking after the career of Esteban Tuero. If these attempts fail it is likely that Menem will put pressure on the Buenos Aires authorities to fund the race. He may even decide to use government money, although this would add to the enormous government deficit which Menem is trying to contain.