Category: Formula 1

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]

The photo above showing building progress at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, was taken one week ago. Since then work has been suspended and race organisers now have just one week to save the future of the 2012 United States Grand Prix.

There’s been talk that Austin organisers would need to have their house in order by 7 December when the FIA’s World Motor Sports Council will meet to ratify the 2012 F1 calendar. Speaking to Reuters Bernie Ecclesetone said, “It needs to be before that. We don’t need any deadlines, having to thrash around at the last minute to do something. It’s gone on long enough.

“They (the Texas circuit owners) have got next week anyway. We are going to be in Brazil so they can come back next week.”

Ecclestone was equally forthright when asked if his recent words were part of normal ongoing negotiations, “What do you want me to do, wait until next year? To put all our cars on it, run around the circuit and everything and come back with no money? The teams want paying.

“It’s not brinkmanship, it never has been with me. I’ve been trying to do a deal now with these people for 18 months or more…if they had the money, I’m sure there would be no problem.”

Building work at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas has been suspended indefinitely and the future of the 2012 United States Grand Prix is now in serious doubt. Bernie Ecclestone raised concerns over the event on the weekend. When asked about the future of the USGP he replied, “I don’t know. We’re trying. It’s a bit of an uphill struggle there at the moment.

“There are two parties, one is building a track, the other has the contract and they’ve forgotten to talk to each other.”

Further adding to the concerns are new doubts over funding from the Texas government. An annual contribution of $25 million was expected prior to each race, but now Susan Combs who controls the state’s finances has said, “When the United States Grand Prix was formally announced, it was the only Formula 1 race scheduled in the US. During the past 18 months, organizers have taken many steps to bring high-profile motor racing to Central Texas, including the development of the Circuit of the Americas, and the announcement of the global MotoGP and V8 Supercar race series starting in 2013.

“The recent announcement of an annual Formula 1 race in New Jersey is a concern, as additional races have the potential to reduce the number of attendees to a Texas race, thereby decreasing the economic impact. Additionally, the reports of a slowdown in construction at the Circuit of the Americas, and recently publicized disagreements between the race rights-holder and the circuit developers have prompted speculation about whether the Austin race will even occur.”