Halting of construction throws 2012 race into further doubt
Last Updated: November 16, 2011 8:39am
Red Bull visited the incomplete circuit earlier in 2011
Construction at the proposed venue for the United States Grand Prix next year has been halted following claims that the circuit has not yet been given a race contract.
The Circuit of the Americas based in the Texan city of Austin has been developed on the understanding that the rights agreed between Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and race promoters Full Throttle Productions would be passed to the new circuit.
But the event had recently been thrown into doubt after comments from Ecclestone and circuit bosses have now suspended construction work, causing an even greater amount of concern.
Over 300 workers have been employed at the venue in recent months but they have now been stood down - and will only resume their duties when the race contract is in the hands of the circuit's bosses.
"Organisers of Circuit of the Americas, a premier motor sports racing and entertainment venue being developed in Austin, Texas, are suspending further construction of the project until a contract assuring the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will be held at Circuit of the Americas in 2012 is complete," a statement read.
"The race contract between Formula One and Circuit of the Americas has not been conveyed to Circuit of the Americas per a previously agreed upon timetable.
"While construction at Circuit of the Americas has progressed as scheduled with over 300 workers at the construction site daily, all work will suspend immediately.
Contract
"The delivery of the Formula One Grand Prix race contract will allow construction operations to resume."
Bobby Epstein, a founding partner of the track, said he was worried that the circuit owners had not yet received the race contract.
He said: "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.
"We believe the United States is vital for the future of Formula One and its teams and sponsors."
Tavo Hellmund, the man behind the Full Throttle Productions company who agreed the staging rights with Ecclestone, said at the weekend that the onus was on the circuit developers to ensure the contract for the race was finalised.
"Mr Ecclestone has been incredibly patient with the challenges here in Austin," Hellmund said.
"Full Throttle Productions has worked tirelessly to bring the Formula One United States Grand Prix to Austin.
"It is now the responsibility of the Circuit of the Americas to make this project happen before Mr Ecclestone's patience runs out."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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