Thursday March 20th, 2003

The Sepang paddock was awash with rumours this evening that this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix could be cancelled following the start of military action in Iraq.

Several unnamed sources have suggested the organisers are concerned about the political correctness of racing in a significantly Muslim country when there is currently a war in another Muslim state.

Troops began attacking Iraq in the early hours of Thursday morning and there are concerns that the Grand Prix, which some see as a display of the affluent west, could be a target for retaliation terrorism.

Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has already threatened such action but, despite unsubstantiated rumours of a bomb in the paddock, most drivers insisted they do not currently fear for their safety.

Nevertheless, the FIA said on Monday, before war broke out, that the race would not be cancelled.

Published at 12:46:54 GMT

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