Circuit of the Americas says it is ready to host two races this year
After the cancellation of the Singapore Grand Prix, the boss of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin admitted to being happy to host 2 races this year, if necessary.
Following the cancellation of the Singapore Grand Prix, many circuits would have positioned themselves to replace the event. Among them, the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, which could host two races this year.
The Circuit of the Americas is set to host Formula 1 on October 24, two weeks after Suzuka (October 10). While Singapore has been officially canceled, there are doubts about the holding of the race in Japan. Organizers should make a decision regarding the holding of the Grand Prix in Japanese lands, after the Tokyo Olympics.
With the possible cancellation of the Japanese round, F1 officials have been forced to consider several options to replace this Grand Prix. In an interview with ESPN, Bobby Epstein, the director of the Circuit of the Americas, admitted that it would be possible to host two races on the Austin track: “» As long as I put the word » possible » in front, then everything is fine. When I read » a second race in Austin is possible », I thought, well that’s true. However, to say that a second race in Austin is confirmed, no, that’s not true. But it would be easy to organize it if they (F1 officials) decide they want to do it and that it’s the best decision for the sport. »
« They can make this decision, we’re here for that. The fact that we are a permanent race track makes it all easier. So the question is when you want to do it and you have to tell me what you want for this event and I will be able to tell you what I can do,” he added.
« We have thousands of people working on these events, thousands of people working on commercial concession stands, directing traffic, cleaning, setting up. There is a high demand due to the popularity of the sport.
This second race would have the interest of making up for the cancellation of the event last year and thus resetting the counters to zero. Other circuits, which were forced to cancel last year, have negotiated an additional year on their contract with F1 in order not to be penalized in the long run.
