F1 Austin

[biglare]

Fricken Awesome Pics and Vid! I wish I was there to watch the RedBull visit!

[InsaneSkippy]

That's awesome! Can't wait for the race next year!

[disapr]

Houston < Austin... Time to move..

[E90SLAM]

[disapr]

Epic, thanks for posting!

[UltimateBMW]

Not bad.

[ziggomatic]

anyone watch the virtual on-board lap videos on youtube? It's really going to be an incredible track.

[DM1]

I just saw this vid, it's so awesome! Can't wait to be there.

[Echo M3]

Very cool. I'm not excited about the location, but the track layout is brilliant. It has all the makings of a classic American circuit like Road America or Laguna Seca.

[glockz]

Anybody know when tickets go on sale?

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by glockz

Anybody know when tickets go on sale?

circuitoftheamericas.com

Sign up on their site and they will e-mail you once available.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

circuitoftheamericas.com

Sign up on their site and they will e-mail you once available.

Thanks for that, was relying on FIA to update me, but this looks more promising.

[NeedMoreTorque]

On the plus side, the site swears they won't send spam; rather just a simple notification once tickets are on sale...etc.

[B.G.]

On a serious note, will the track really be dirt?

[gary88]

Yes. Something to do with the whole Texas/cowboy theme

[Echo M3]

Uh-oh

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/form...e/15705826.stm

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by pman10

Uh-oh

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/form...e/15705826.stm

Bernie is putting the pressure on the organizers, there's a year to go. We saw what India can achieve, and Korean barely made it. Maybe the Texas guys will just barely make it next November.

[CDM3DCT]

Originally Posted by pman10

Uh-oh

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/form...e/15705826.stm

Ive been hearing the same thing that Bernie doesn't seem to confident about Austin, yet he seems pretty confident about Jersey.

Dont know where this is going to go but from my understanding the contract is already done so how is this even an issue all of the sudden?

[gary88]

Bernie also said he had his doubts about the Indian GP a month before it started, I wouldn't put much faith in anything he's saying.

[plien69]

Some more insight into what's happening with Austin:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111113/F1/111119950

[CDM3DCT]

Originally Posted by plien69

Some more insight into what's happening with Austin:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111113/F1/111119950

Well, sounds like Austin is going to be a BUST!

[E90SLAM]

OH SNAP!!!

Construction work at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin has ground to a halt, casting fresh doubt over the return of the US Grand Prix in 2012.

The event is scheduled to take place on November 18 next year at a purpose-built track outside Austin, but statements from key officials this week have revealed that a contract to hold the race is not yet in place. A statement from the circuit said construction work has been suspended "until a contract assuring the Formula One United States Grand Prix will be held at Circuit of The Americas in 2012 is complete."

"We have spent tremendous resources preparing for the Formula One and MotoGP Championship races, but the failure to deliver race contracts gives us great concern," Bobby Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of the Americas, said. "We believe the United States is vital for the future of Formula One and its teams and sponsors. Given the purpose-built Tilke design, creating a unique fan experience and iconic challenge for drivers, we hope that Texas will not be left behind. Over 100,000 fans have expressed an interest in purchasing tickets for Formula One alone."

The news followed a statement from Texas state comptroller Susan Combs raising concerns over the event and confirming that no state funds would be spent on the project until after the race. Combs' comments are significant as organisers were banking on $25 million from the Texas Major Events Trust Fund (METF) to help cover the cost of the sanctioning fee. In the statement Combs admitted fresh doubt had been cast over the Austin project after news that a second race will be held in the USA in 2013.

"The recent announcement of an annual Formula One 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," Combs' statement read. "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. The ongoing controversies are a concern and we will continue to monitor them.

"Let me state clearly: We have not paid out any money for the Formula One event. The only dollars that can be spent on the United States Grand Prix are tax revenues attributable to the successful running of a race. The state of Texas will not be paying any funds in advance of the event. Further, as is the case with all METF events, each application will be reviewed and analyzed for its likely economic impact and only after the race occurs would any funds be disbursed.

"If an METF application is submitted, it will be thoroughly vetted and economic impact data scrutinized based on the actual circumstances for that event. Ultimately, I am responsible for protecting the interests of Texas taxpayers, first and foremost. I will not allow taxpayer dollars to be placed at risk. My position on that has not changed."

At the weekend Bernie Ecclestone said: "It is a bit of an uphill struggle but we will try and get there. There are two parties - one has a track and is building it, and the other has got the race contract. And they forgot to talk to each other."

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/64520.html