A Polish motor racing journalist recently asked Mika Hakkinen when we might expect to see a Finnish Grand Prix. He noted that Finland produced many good drivers including J. J. Lehto, Mika Salo, and, of course, world champion Keke Rosberg. Hakkinen responded by making an all-to-frequently heard comment: "It isn't easy. Sponsors and good promotion are very important in F1." He also asked a rhetorical question with not a little sarcasm: "Why not a Polish Grand Prix? Same thing...."

That we witnessed what may well be the last Hungarian Grand Prix gives one pause to wonder why we have enjoyed races in Hungary, but not in Poland, or Finland, or even Austria, or The Netherlands. And, why is Bernie Ecclestone, the president of FOCA, courting Russia, China, and Malaysia as possible future hosts? Why Hungary in 1986 and not in 1996? Why the interest in former communist and now Third World countries? Where there is smoke, there is fire. While we haven't seen the flames yet, smoke is filling the air!

The Hungaroring seems to be no one's favorite track. It is used only once a year. It is dirty, suffering from sand blowing in the dry season, which coincides with the race date. It has two chicanes, one short straight, a narrow driving line. The drivers call it "Monaco without the buildings." Were this not enough, the financial situation of the track is not good. But how different things are today than they were in 1986.

Back then, Hungary was one of the richest countries behind the "Iron Curtain." The Soviet government was somewhat lenient with Hungary as it was more of a fiscal resource than a costly dependent. It "encouraged" the grand prix as motor racing attracted fans (and not inconsequentially, their money). It also had a track, something lacking in Poland. Formula One was enthusiastic as well, principally because tourists were flocking to Hungary in order to witness life under communism, but in a safe and comfortable setting. There was, therefore, a fan base that sponsors found too tempting to resist. And, who were these sponsors? Well, Marlboro, Camel, and John Player Special. That's who.

Things, as they usually do, have changed. Today, F1 is leaving Hungary. It is moving, not north, but east. Why? Two things seem to underlie this move. One involves marketing conditions. Most European countries ban cigarette advertisements and more will do so in the future. Formula One simply cannot afford any more bans such as those in France, Britain, and Germany. A second involves demographics. There just are not that many people in other European countries, including Finland and Poland. Indeed, most of the fans at the Hungarian Grand Prix come from elsewhere in Europe.

In sum, conditions are becoming increasingly favorable in eastern countries. Russia, China, and Malaysia have no laws against tobacco advertisements. Furthermore, Russia and China have huge populations, among which smoking seems to be the norm. John Player Special and Camel may not be part of F1 today, but Mild Seven and Rothmans are. Marlboro stays strong, and with Jaques Villeneuve coming from Indy Cars, can Players Ltd. be far behind?

Smoke may be a sign of impending demise for a race car. It may have negative affects on human health. Paradoxically, it insures the good health of motor racing, even if it is distant settings.

This article is dedicated to neighbor and friend, Radek Kloneki, a 16-year old motor racing fan who died 10 August 1995.