Game over for the U.S. Grand Prix and the Circuit of the Americas
(As of NOV 30th 2011)
Bernie Ecclestone has warned that Europe may be left with as few as five Formula 1 races in coming years, with the continent currently suffering a financial crisis as the sport continues expanding to new nations. Two American races are already planned for the next two seasons and Russia will debut on the calendar in 2014.
Bernie Ecclestone
In 1950, F1 began with a seven-race programme and all events were staged in Europe with the exception of the Indianapolis 500, which was then considered part of the World Championship. In 2011, 10 of the 19 races were spread across other continents.
“Russia for sure, we have a contract,” Ecclestone told Spain’s Marca when talking of up and coming settings for races. “South Africa, perhaps. Mexico…my problem is that I believe Europe is finished in many ways. It is a good place for tourism but little more. Europe is a thing of the past. I believe that in the next few years we may only have around five races left in Europe.”
When told that Europe remains the ‘soul’ of Formula 1, Ecclestone – head of F1 commercial rights holders Formula One Management – replied: “It used to be.”
As for More about the US topic of americas GP (FROM NOV 24th 2011)
Austin’s Circuit of the Americas has stated that it is now fully prepared to pay the required race fee to host the returning United States Grand Prix next year. The venue had appeared to be off the calendar after Formula 1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone stated that the payment had not been submitted in time.
‘Circuit of The Americas has responded to Formula One Management’s contract requirements by agreeing to an immediate cash payment of the sanctioning fee for the 2012 United States Grand Prix (USGP),’ reads a Thursday statement.
‘In addition, Circuit of The Americas has offered to establish an advance payment schedule for USGP races beyond 2012. The offer comes after several weeks of talks and, once accepted, will secure the USGP on the Formula 1 race calendar.’
At the height of the disagreement, circuit constructors were instructed to stop work
The issue came after original promoter Tavo Helmund’s bid fell through, leaving the circuit itself to pick up the task of submitting the required expense.
“We have been ready to send Mr. Ecclestone a sanctioning fee check for some time now,” explains Bobby Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas. “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.”
Bernie Ecclestone has warned that Europe may be left with as few as five Formula 1 races in coming years, with the continent currently suffering a financial crisis as the sport continues expanding to new nations. Two American races are already planned for the next two seasons and Russia will debut on the calendar in 2014.
Bernie EcclestoneIn 1950, F1 began with a seven-race programme and all events were staged in Europe with the exception of the Indianapolis 500, which was then considered part of the World Championship. In 2011, 10 of the 19 races were spread across other continents.
“Russia for sure, we have a contract,” Ecclestone told Spain’s Marca when talking of up and coming settings for races. “South Africa, perhaps. Mexico…my problem is that I believe Europe is finished in many ways. It is a good place for tourism but little more. Europe is a thing of the past. I believe that in the next few years we may only have around five races left in Europe.”
When told that Europe remains the ‘soul’ of Formula 1, Ecclestone – head of F1 commercial rights holders Formula One Management – replied: “It used to be.”
As for More about the US topic of americas GP (FROM NOV 24th 2011)
Austin’s Circuit of the Americas has stated that it is now fully prepared to pay the required race fee to host the returning United States Grand Prix next year. The venue had appeared to be off the calendar after Formula 1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone stated that the payment had not been submitted in time.
‘Circuit of The Americas has responded to Formula One Management’s contract requirements by agreeing to an immediate cash payment of the sanctioning fee for the 2012 United States Grand Prix (USGP),’ reads a Thursday statement.
‘In addition, Circuit of The Americas has offered to establish an advance payment schedule for USGP races beyond 2012. The offer comes after several weeks of talks and, once accepted, will secure the USGP on the Formula 1 race calendar.’
At the height of the disagreement, circuit constructors were instructed to stop workThe issue came after original promoter Tavo Helmund’s bid fell through, leaving the circuit itself to pick up the task of submitting the required expense.
“We have been ready to send Mr. Ecclestone a sanctioning fee check for some time now,” explains Bobby Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas. “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.”
Last edited by lopro; Nov 30, 2011 at 08:37 AM. Reason: added more info from nov 24th ~ I only found it afterwords
A check was delivered to F1 honcho Bernie Ecclestone, who has said repeatedly that the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in India--which took place early Wednesday--was the absolute final deadline for the Austin race to make the F1 schedule for 2012.
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...#ixzz1fxcxty6O
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...#ixzz1fxcxty6O
I am going to try to go to both mtl and the texas GP next year. I have family in Texas and many freinds in Montreal also. Should be lots of fun to see how the new track is and check out the events. F1 is so wicked.
Trying to make the races at Montreal and Austin also!
Marriott Horseshoe Bay still has a handful of rooms - a bit of a trek from circuit, but hopefully a pleasant destination.
Porsche Texas PCA Corral? I might even drive down from ATL...
Marriott Horseshoe Bay still has a handful of rooms - a bit of a trek from circuit, but hopefully a pleasant destination.
Porsche Texas PCA Corral? I might even drive down from ATL...
Its not official until I see P1 taking place on the track.. Payment and some dirt shoved around does not a GP make.



