'We have nothing to worry about. We're not worrying that we are going to lose

Zhuhai officials are down-playing a mounting bid from Argentina which wants to be put back on the provisional list for next season's Formula One championship at all costs.

The Argentinian Grand Prix had been demoted to the reserve list after experiencing financial problems, while Zhuhai has provisionally been given the right to host a round of the championship on March 21.

Reports suggest that Argentinian president Carlos Menem held high-level talks with Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) vice-president Bernie Ecclestone last week in an unofficial visit to England - and he wants Argentina back on the calendar.

Menem is lobbying hard to have the Buenos Aires race reinstated, but Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) director Joe Lim brushed aside the threat, saying the Chinese city had first priority.

Zhuhai also faces another threat from the Sepang circuit after the Malaysian track was also put on the provisional list, but the Argentina push poses a bigger danger to Zhuhai, which could lose its status if the Chinese city does not meet stringent requirements.

'Argentina were very disappointed that they lost the race and they very much want it back. But we have first priority and we are confident it will come to us,' said Lim.

'FIA has put Zhuhai on the provisional list and not Argentina. If FIA was confident Argentina could host it again, then Zhuhai would have been on the reserve list and Argentina on the provisional list. We have nothing to worry about. All the facilities will be ready on time. We're not worrying that we are going to lose the race.' Lim said he was confident all facilities will be completed before the launch of the race, the biggest single sporting event in China's history 'This being our first venture into Formula One, we have to satisfy very detailed requirements. Everything has to be precise and to the exact requirements of the FIA. The track itself is in place. I had a meeting with four FIA officials in Suzuka last week and it was clear that they want everything perfect,' said Lim.