The organisers of the Belgium Grand Prix have lost the appeal that would have granted the Spa Formula One race immunity from the anti-tobacco laws, which came into play in 1999. The FIA had demanded that there would be no such ban on tobacco advertisement or this year's race would be cancelled.

The advocate of the region stated: "The Grand Prix can no longer be saved by judicial means." But the organisers will continue to fight. Chairman Andre Maes said: "We will still try to convince FIA not to cancel the race. We have to continue to fight."

The Grand Prix does have the support of Max Mosley. He said to the newspaper 'Le Soir': "Hopefully, a solution will be found because losing the Belgian race would be a sporting disaster. Nobody wants to eliminate Francorchamps, the world's most beautiful track."

He also said there is still a possibility of a solution: "If I understood it correctly there is a trial and political movement to bring the Belgian law in line with the laws in the European Union."

The European Union will execute there anti tobacco advertisement laws in 2006. A FIA decision will follow next week.

Mika Hakkinen was again fastest at the Barcelona (Spain) track, closely followed by Giancarlo Fisichella.

Tyrrell is looking strong with a forth place of Takagi of the 12 drivers present.

Damon Hill was hampered in today's test because of an engine change. The Mugen-Honda engine, which suffered some reliability problems last season, has been working will up until now. The Jordan team have officially announced the Repsol partnership.

Rubens Barrichello showed himself pleased over the performance of the SF02 until now: "In terms of reliability it is going well. We are still trying out a few things on the car so the times we are doing are not an accurate guide."