BBC News Online: World: Europe

Decision on Belgian grand prix delayed

The world motor racing federation FIA has postponed for a week a decision on whether to cancel the Belgian Grand Prix next year.

It has threatened to move the race to China or South Africa unless the Belgian authorities exempt motor racing from a new law which bans all tobacco advertising and sponsorship from sporting venues.

Lawyers for the race organisers have indicated they may take the case to an appeal court after failing to overturn the ban in court yesterday.

Tobacco advertising is a major source of funds for the motor racing circuit.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service