Austin must resolve his issues by the end of December
Austin is set to host the United States Grand Prix from 2012 at the Circuit of the Americas. Doubts about meeting the deadlines have been repeatedly reported by the press for several weeks, and Bernie Ecclestone has urged the circuit's owners and promoters to settle their differences by December.
The United States Grand Prix is expected to take place on a circuit built near the city of Austin, Texas, starting in 2012 – one company is responsible for the construction of the circuit and its operation, and another company serves as the promoter of the Grand Prix.
However, there are disputes between the two companies, which led to speculation that the circuit might not be ready in time for 2012. The Grand Prix, however, has been confirmed on the 2012 calendar by the F1 Commission recently. But Bernie Ecclestone, the head of FOM, had mentioned a few days ago that the “two companies were not talking to each other,” which was causing delays in the construction of the circuit. He hinted that the race was on a downward spiral and that nothing could guarantee everything would be ready in time.
The big financier of Formula 1 has finally decided to go beyond mere words. He has urged the two parties responsible for the return of Formula 1 to the United States to reach an agreement to ensure that things proceed properly, or else the event will be outright canceled.
« All they need to do is sign a contract. We told them a while ago that if nothing was signed, then it would be over. If they don’t sign anything, then we will be forced to cancel things in December,» Ecclestone told the German publication Express.
The cancellation of the Grand Prix remains possible despite the confirmation of the 2012 calendar by the F1 Commission, as with a World Motor Sport Council meeting in December, the calendar for the next season can still be adjusted.
