Contractors say they will be hard pressed to complete the scheme within the client's 16-month schedule if an award is not made this year. The General Organisation for Youth & Sports plans to host the region's first Formula One grand prix at the track in 2004, leaving little time for testing the circuit's infrastructure.

The scope of works has also been reduced from the original requirement to build four race circuits to just one 5.4-kilometre-long grand prix track. The other main elements of the scheme, including the construction of a grandstand and 10-storey VIP tower, remain unchanged. Germany's Tilkeis the consultant (Construction, MEED Special Report, 5:4:02, pages 34-35).