Tuesday February 1st, 2000

By Michael Mann

International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley has tipped Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher to win the 2000 world championship.

"At this time of year one has to say Michael Schumacher is the favourite," Mosley said on Tuesday.

"But I hope even if it is him, it doesn't get decided till the last race. I hope we get another season that goes all the way through - and we may easily do that. But I think Schumacher has to look the favourite on paper."

Mosley was confident that Formula One would go on growing and attracting ever greater audiences in the season ahead.

"There's a huge change going on now because the world's motor industry has finally realised the value of Formula One technically, publicity-wise and as a motivator for the workforce."

Ford is entering the fray as a full works team for the first time this season under its Jaguar marque, BMW has linked up with Williams, Honda is scheduled to enter grand prix racing with the BAR team, while Toyota is expected to start its programme in 2002 or 2003.

"They're really coming in in a big way which is quite useful for us because it replaces tobacco at a time when this could be a bit controversial," Mosley said, referring to the EU's approaching ban on tobacco advertising.

Mosley defended the technical regulations against charges the cars were becoming difficult to drive, saying that was what the organisers wanted to ensure motor sport's blue riband event remained a spectacle.

Mosley forecast that Formula One would become more international with time, with fewer events in its traditional European home and more in the Middle East and perhaps South Africa.