Sepecat
01-22-2004, 06:59 AM
Formula One Teams May Skip European Races
AP Tue Jan 20,11:47 AM ET
LONDON - Formula One teams could boycott European races this season unless they are exempted from new European Union arrest warrant laws.
F1 officials fear team personnel could be arrested if a driver is killed in a race accident.
Max Mosley, president of the motor racing's governing body FIA, has written to the heads of national racing groups asking them to lobby their governments for the exemption.
This season's first European race is the San Marino Grand Prix on April 25.
Spain, Belgium and Britain have adopted the EU legislation, with others pledging to come on board by March.
"This is a matter of serious concern and the FIA will continue to hold talks with the various European Union governments and the European Commission (news - web sites) in an attempt to resolve it," Mosley said.
Mosley cited the 1994 death of Ayrton Senna at Imola, Italy, and subsequent manslaughter charges brought against Williams technical director Patrick Head and designer Adrian Newey.
The men were acquitted in 1997 but could be implicated in any appeal.
Mosley said team bosses believe that, in the event of a fatal crash, a local magistrate could use the new legislation to order the immediate arrest of team personnel who "could be locked up until trial."
In the letter, team leaders warn they are prepared to race only in countries whose governments give a legally enforceable pledge not to use the arrest warrant legislation.
The legislation, introduced earlier this month, replaces national extradition deals between EU member states. It is designed to replace often unwieldy extradition procedures as the bloc fights terrorism and other serious crimes.
Hmm…..
What are your thoughts on this article?
George`
AP Tue Jan 20,11:47 AM ET
LONDON - Formula One teams could boycott European races this season unless they are exempted from new European Union arrest warrant laws.
F1 officials fear team personnel could be arrested if a driver is killed in a race accident.
Max Mosley, president of the motor racing's governing body FIA, has written to the heads of national racing groups asking them to lobby their governments for the exemption.
This season's first European race is the San Marino Grand Prix on April 25.
Spain, Belgium and Britain have adopted the EU legislation, with others pledging to come on board by March.
"This is a matter of serious concern and the FIA will continue to hold talks with the various European Union governments and the European Commission (news - web sites) in an attempt to resolve it," Mosley said.
Mosley cited the 1994 death of Ayrton Senna at Imola, Italy, and subsequent manslaughter charges brought against Williams technical director Patrick Head and designer Adrian Newey.
The men were acquitted in 1997 but could be implicated in any appeal.
Mosley said team bosses believe that, in the event of a fatal crash, a local magistrate could use the new legislation to order the immediate arrest of team personnel who "could be locked up until trial."
In the letter, team leaders warn they are prepared to race only in countries whose governments give a legally enforceable pledge not to use the arrest warrant legislation.
The legislation, introduced earlier this month, replaces national extradition deals between EU member states. It is designed to replace often unwieldy extradition procedures as the bloc fights terrorism and other serious crimes.
Hmm…..
What are your thoughts on this article?
George`