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A SENIOR official of motorsport's governing body, the FIA, yesterday gave only qualified support to China's bid to stage a leg of the Formula One World Championship in 1997.

 In this Portuguese enclave to watch yesterday's Macau Formula Three Grand Prix, FIA deputy president Alfredo Torres confirmed that he had had a 'little meeting' with two senior officials from the nearby Zhuhai International Circuit before the race meeting.

 'First the circuit must be ready and a commercial agreement doesn't exist at this time,' Torres said.

 'They also have no trained scrutineers or marshals. Perhaps it would be a good idea if they [Zhuhai] fix an agreement with Macau,' he added.

 Torres said the FIA would be happy to send teachers but added much still remained to be done before the FIA could realistically view an application.

 'That does not mean to say that the conditions won't exist next month.'  But, on a positive note, Torres said he could see little trouble with a huge country like China attracting major sponsors to underwrite the cost of meeting all the conditions of F1 racing.

 'The FIA creates regions like the Asia-Pacific to promote motorsport in those places but if an individual track or organisation wants to be at the top [in F1] then they must pay for it.

 'China is big enough to get the support they need.'  Even though Torres fell short of assurances it was clear from his remarks that no favours would be given to China when their application is finally lodged.

 On the question of tobacco sponsorship and its impact on F1, Torres said the FIA was constantly monitoring the situation in Europe.

 'We have regular contacts with the European Union,' he explained.

 Torres said because Zhuhai had no commercial agreement in place he was not aware of the tobacco sponsorship situation.

 Commenting on the marked growth of the former German DTM championship to the International Touring Car championship with rounds in Finland, France and England and more planned for Brazil and Japan next year, Torres said the series would be discussed at the FIA's next meeting in Monaco on December 8.

 Asked if the ITC series could win World Championship status, Torres said: 'Wait until after the meeting.' 



Doubts over Zhuhai F1 bid