BBC deny Formula One interest

BBC Sport have denied reports they are preparing a £175m bid to retrieve Formula One coverage from ITV in 2005.
The speculation comes in the wake of the corporation's disappointing failure to secure broadcast rights for the Champions League, part of their avowed policy to re-establish themselves as a top sports broadcaster.
A spokeperson for BBC Sport said: "We are aware of these reports, but as the rights for Formula One are not available until 2005, talk of a BBC bid is pure speculation."
Many believe winning Formula One from ITV would a high profile coup for the BBC. ITV, however, have seen viewing figures for the sport plunge, most notably since the runaway success of Michael Schumacher, who finished this year's competition with more than double the points of his closest rival.
Indeed, Formula One's most recent event, the Japanese Grand Prix, attracted a mere 2.2 million viewers, less than BBC Two's coverage of the Chicago Marathon.
Even disregarding the issues raised by the huge advertising influence on Formula One and how that would impact BBC coverage, if there were truth behind the rumours questions may be asked about the wisdom of such a massive bid for a sport that seems to be on the decline.
(GB)