Tuesday June 6th, 2000

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone voiced his support for the Monaco Grand Prix, saying it will continue to feature on the Formula One calendar. Ecclestone was respondiong to criticism made by McLaren chief, Ron Dennis, who called the conditions in the Monte Carlo improvised pit lane "third world."

"They do a fantastic job here considering it is a race in the middle of a city," Ecclestone said. "If they could do anything building wise, they would. If there is any construction work in the future then I am sure they will try to improve things.

"We have been here a very long time and it is an important race for us. Facilities are not like we would have at a normal race. If we want to be here, then this is how it has got to be."

He was also joined by team chief Frank Williams, who said, "We are a show-business. The world loves us to perform here and the people that pay us want us to perform here. This is where the money is. It is very hard work for the teams, especially those that have to work up the hill. But this race is an important part of the championship. The pit lane is too small, but that's Monaco."