New tyres for Formula One

Formula One cars will have modifications to tyres and brakes in the 1998 world championship.Out go the "slick" treadless dry weather tyres, to be replaced by grooved compounds, the International Automobile Federation World Council decided yesterday.

New rules on brakes will be introduced, aimed at increasing stopping distances. This means that drivers will have to brake earlier on approaching corners, theoretically giving a more skilful driver the chance to overtake.

FIA, also announced a 17-race world championship yesterday, which is due to culminate in the Portuguese Grand Prix on 26 October. Austria's return to Formula One is confirmed for 21 September.

1997 FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX CALENDER: 9 March: Australia (Melbourne); 30 March: Brazil (Interlagos); 13 April: Argentina (Buenos Aires); 27 April: San Marino (Imola); 11 May: Monaco (Monte Carlo); 25 May: Spain (Barcelona); 15 June: Canada (Montreal); 29 June: France (Magny-Cours)*; 13 July: Great Britain (Silverstone); 27 July: Germany (Hockenheim); 10 Aug: Hungary (Budapest); 24 Aug: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps); 7 Sept: Italy (Monza); 21 Sept: Austria (A1-Ring); 28 Sept: Luxembourg (Nurburgring); 12 Oct: Japan (Suzuka); 26 Oct: Portugal (Estoril)*. * pending confirmation before 31 January.