Towards a return of the Mexico F1 Grand Prix in 2015?
The president of FOM, holder of the commercial rights to the Formula 1 World Championship, Bernie Ecclestone confirms that the Mexican Grand Prix will return for the 2015 season after a 23-year absence.
For a long time on the provisional calendar for the 2014 season, the Mexican Grand Prix was eventually removed from the final version adopted by the World Motor Sport Council. However, the Mexico City circuit is expected to host a round of the F1 circus as early as 2015.
Bernie Ecclestone announced to Forbes magazine that Mexico had received the green light. He reportedly signed a five-season contract, with an option for five additional seasons, with CIE, the race promoter, which received support from the federal government and Mexico City, according to a local publication, Cancha. The official announcement is expected to take place this Wednesday during a press conference in Mexico City.
In September 2014, Charlie Whiting visited the circuit which had already hosted F1 between 1963 and 1970 and then between 1986 and 1992. It was an opportunity to note that relatively significant work needed to be done on the track—resurfacing of certain turns—and the facilities—notably the stands and the paddock. Since then, regular visits have been conducted to monitor their progress.
Like most North and South American rounds – or Canada – the Mexican Grand Prix could take place at the end of the season. As an indication, on the provisional 2014 calendar, it was scheduled for November 9th.
The paddock has two Mexican drivers – Esteban Gutierrez at Sauber and Sergio Perez at Force India – who are supported by Carlos Slim, the second richest person in the world, passionate about motor sports, and whose involvement in the return of the Mexican Grand Prix is significant.
Updated at 12:10 AM: CIE has confirmed to Reuters the signing of an agreement for organizing the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City starting from 2015. Details still remain to be discussed.
