The Belgian Grand Prix has been axed from next season's calendar, despite drivers' pleas to retain it.



The race has been ditched following an unresolved row over tobacco advertising in the country. Teams were forced to run without branding at the event two weeks ago, after the Belgian government introduced sweeping changes to the advertising law. Despite threats to axe the race from F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone, and the fact that the country is operating contrary to European Union directives, the authorities stood firm.



The traditional late August date has been left vacant on the latest version of the F1 schedule, in case the government decides to fall into line with the EU, but may be taken up by another venue if it does not. Zandvoort and Estoril remain likely replacements.



As expected, Australia now opens the campaign - following a request from the Malaysian organisers for a late-season date - but the other changes first mooted several moths ago remain. Only a possible exchange of dates between the British and Austrian events looks likely to disrupt the schedule further, as Silverstone currently clashes with the Wimbledon tennis tournament.





Provisional F1 Calendar 2000



March 12 Australia

March 26 Brazil

April 9 San Marino

April 23 Spain

May 7 France

May 21 Europe [Nurburgring]

June 4 Monaco

June 18 Canada

July 2 Britain

July 16 Austria

July 30 Germany

August 13 Hungary

September 10 Italy

September 24 USA

October 8 Japan

October 22 Malaysia