The organizers in Austin are ready to wait until 2013
The prospect of a Grand Prix in Austin in 2012 is becoming increasingly unlikely, as the organizers themselves have just stated that they are ready to wait until 2013 to host the F1. This will give them more time to finalize the construction of the circuit but, above all, to establish a proper contract with Bernie Ecclestone.
After stopping the work, the owners of the Circuit of the Americas officially responded to the rumors of a Grand Prix postponement: “We were very enthusiastic and worked to have a United States race in 2012. Now, we understand that Mr. Ecclestone is interested in moving the Austin race to 2013. We know that the American market is important for the teams and their sponsors, and 2013 will certainly give us the time for the Circuit of the Americas to be ready.”
The mention of the F1’s chief financial officer comes in response to the ultimatum issued by the latter, via Reuters. Until now, it was understood that a solution had to be found by December 7 and the next FIA World Council: «It must be before that. We don’t want a deadline, to have to work at the last minute to do something. It’s dragged on long enough. The owners of the Circuit of the Americas have until next week. We are going to Brazil. They can come see us again next week.»
It seems agreed that Tavo Hellmund no longer holds the commercial rights to the event. He held a press conference to give his perspective on the situation. Unlike his former partners, he does not seek to put the blame on Bernie Ecclestone, a long-time friend. Quite the opposite: “We have repeatedly failed to meet our financial obligations to Formula One. At present, we should be paying Mr. Ecclestone.” Furthermore, he denies having received a $39 million offer to exit the project: “If I had received 10% of that amount, I would be in Tahiti.”
It seems more than unlikely that an event will take place in the United States in 2012. As for the future of the circuit itself, it is more than compromised with the arrival of New Jersey, a much more attractive market for sponsors of global reach than the capital of Texas.
