Officially there is still ongoing doubt over the future of the 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Bobby Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas, has responded to Bernie Ecclestone’s ultimatum from last week by returning serve with a Thanksgiving statement claiming they have the money Bernie craves and are ready to pay. Well, almost.
Epstein is entering a game with Ecclestone and as history shows there’s usually only one winner in any games involving Bernie. In his statement Epstein says, “We have been ready to send Mr Ecclestone a sanctioning fee check for some time now.
“He hasn’t received it yet because the new contract presented to us two weeks ago contained unrealistic and unfeasible demands. We have signed and returned a contract similar to what we anticipated receiving. This race should be a reality, but if we are going to make the 2012 race date, we must receive a countersignature in the coming few days. We believe the teams, fans, sponsors and local business share our enthusiasm and hope that their voices will be heard.”
So there Bernie, you’ve been told! The reply from the F1 supremo will likely be firm, forthright and put an end to any doubts. Watch this space.
[Source: F1US | Pic: Sutton Images]
4 replies on “COTA puts 2012 USGP ball back in Bernie’s court”
The other side of the story the media & the local Texan government don’t want to admit is the public purse is footing the bill for the venue. The people are against it. Bernie Ecclestone recently bought his daughter a $28 million house in CA, apparently it’s her second! so I kinda understand why the locals are opposed to coughing up the cash.
Like you say, you face up to Bernie, there is only one winner! F1 does not owe the US a race. maybe it’s time to face up to it!
I think there’s a saying – put your money where your month is.
[…] is funny, because only last week Bobby Epstein, Circuit of The Americas representative, said that they have the money Ecclestone wants and have done for some […]