FORMULA 1: The Belgian Grand Prix, which was controversially axed from the 2003 Formula One calendar, has been given fresh hope that it could be reprieved.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said yesterday that if an agreement could be reached over the thorny issue of tobacco advertising, then the race at Spa, which is widely cherished by drivers and fans alike, could still be saved.

"The FIA and the teams hope that measures can be enacted in Belgium which will allow the event to comply with the proposed worldwide ban on tobacco sponsorship scheduled to come into effect at the end of 2006," said a FIA statement. "It could then be considered for inclusion in the 2004 World Championship."

The race was officially scrapped from next season's schedule on Monday as a result of the Belgian government refusing to grant an exemption from new advertising laws, and F1 teams were unable to reach a unanimous agreement on whether to race under the restrictions.

However, some figures in Belgium were still clinging to hopes that the race will eventually be brought back.

"Our grand prix wasn't on the 2003 calendar and the final decision will not be taken until December," said Serge Kubla, the Walloon economics minister.

"This leaves us some hope, although it is slim, that the event can be saved."

However, those within the sport fear the worst.

"Without an express decision by Belgian politicians to allow an exemption to the law, I am afraid that the Belgian Grand Prix will never be staged again," said John Goossens, the president of the Belgian Royal Automobile Club, who added that with China and Bahrain granted dates in the championship in 2004, the race at Spa would be lost.

There were also fears over the financial cost for the region: an American study once estimated the race brought in around €25 million for the local economy.

Meanwhile, the European Commission accused Formula One officials of surrendering to the "tainted money" of tobacco in scrapping the Belgian Grand Prix.

"What kind of signal is this to racing fans?" fumed health commissioner David Byrne of Ireland.

"Is the tainted money of big tobacco more important to the Formula One machine than the spirit of the sport and the dedication of its fans to one of the most exciting race tracks, which Spa-Francorchamps undoubtedly is?"

The European Commission has been pushing since May 2001 for a total ban on tobacco advertising at sporting events in EU member states.

"This example of an unjustified sanction against Belgium because of its pioneering health protection initiative clearly shows that we need one single approach in the internal market as quickly as possible," Byrne added.

Five teams have tobacco advertising: Jordan, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Jordan and BAR.

Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher reckons the changes made to qualifying next year will boost his bid to win a record sixth drivers' crown.

The German believes the switch from a series of qualifying laps to a one-off effort will play to his strengths.

"I especially find the change to the qualifying format rather positive because I can set a fast lap time straight away," he said.