Formula One will return to the United States in 2012, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed. A 10-year deal has been agreed between FOM and the promoters of the US grand prix.
The deal will see an F1 race at a purpose built facility in Austin, Texas from 2012 to 2021.
“We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder,” said Tavo Hellmund, managing partner of Full Throttle Productions.
“We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event.”
Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group added: “For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event.
“It was thirty years ago that the United States Grand Prix was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits.
“Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. Lewis Hamilton won the last United States Grand Prix in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US.”
Mr. Hellmund continued: “This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the ‘it’ cities in the United States.
“Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude.
“Few cities if any in America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting a Formula 1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.”
The event seems to have the full-backing of the Texas state government with the Texas Governor Rick Perry adding: “Texas’ relatively strong economy continues to draw both national and international attention and I commend Comptroller Combs for her work in bringing this exciting event to the Lone Star State.”
The city major, Lee Leffingwell expressed his delight in Austin securing such a high profile event: “The City of Austin will be proud to host this magnificent event and I look forward to welcoming the participants and fans of Formula One to our City.”
More information regarding the event is expected to be released in due course.
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