Formula One looks likely to make a return to Mexico in 2014 following a principle agreement between Bernie Ecclestone, Carlos Slim Jnr and the Mexican government.
Meetings took place during last weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin in a bid to iron out a deal between the three parties which will see Mexico once again on the F1 calendar.
The last race to be held in the NorthAmerican country took place in 1992 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. It’s believed the venue is once again on the shortlist with Ecclestone keen to see the event replace the delayed New Jersey GP – however a study into whether or not the circuit could be upgraded in time for 2013, which would require a new racing surface and new pit buildings, isn’t feasible to complete within six months.
Therefore the plans have been delayed until 2014 at the earliest. With a five-year deal having been agreed, a new circuit in Cancun is also being looked at for the future.
Such an event makes sense given the likelihood that the sport will feature two Mexican drivers next year, with Esteban Gutiérrez likely to join Sauber, whilst Sergio Perez will partner Jenson Button at McLaren.
The country is also keen to boost tourism which has heightened the government’s interest in the project. Both outgoing president Felipe Calderón – who was in Austin during the race – and incoming president Enrique Pena Nieto are keen on the idea.
Carlos Slim Jnr, son of the world’s richest man, is involved and is providing much of the backing for the circuit.
