British GP told to shape up

Thursday, June 22, 2000 | 8:28 a.m.

WARSAW, Poland - The British Grand Prix was told Wednesday to improve track safety and fan accommodations or lose its Formula One race in 2001.

Race organizers were in Poland for a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council to explain the chaos at the race two months ago in Silverstone.

The race, moved up to mid-April from its traditional mid-July date, was marred by almost nonstop rain. Muddy parking areas were closed, prompting fans to search for other parking and routes to the venue, creating 15-mile traffic jams.

Many fans missed the race and demanded refuns. Organizers reported a loss of $5 million to $7 million.

Race organizers must show by Oct. 4 that changes have been made and customers have received refunds.

The 17-race schedule for 2001 begins March 4 in Melbourne, Australia, and ends Oct. 14 in Suzuka, Japan. The British Grand Prix, run this year in April as the fourth event, was moved back to May 13, the sixth event on the calendar.

No new venues were added and no old ones were excluded.