The inaugural Austin Grand Prix is unlikely to happen in 2012, but rather face a years delay to 2013, according to the Circuit of the Americas president, Steve Sexton.
The news follows an ultimatum handed to the circuit by Bernie Ecclestone, who has demanded payment of the £15m+ ($25m) race hosting fee before next weekends Brazilian GP, or the race will be axed from the 2012 calendar.
Sexton says a move to 2013 is more likely and would allow the circuit time to ensure it was ready for its debut.
“We have been excited for and working towards a 2012 USGP race and now understand that Mr Ecclestone is interested in moving the Austin race to 2013,” he said.
“We know the US market is important to the teams and their sponsors and 2013 certainly allows time for the Circuit of the Americas to be ready.”
A delay to 2013 would mean it would debut in the same year as the New Jersey GP which recently signed a ten-year contract with F1.
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