A site for the 2012 United States grand prix has been selected.<\/p>\n
It was earlier reported that although a promoter has won the rights to stage the race on a purpose-built track in Austin, Texas, the actual site for the venue is still being decided.<\/p>\n
But a lawyer for promoter Full Throttle Productions is quoted by the local American-Statesman newspaper as revealing that land has been secured.<\/p>\n
“We’re just not ready to disclose it (the actual location) yet,” said Richard Suttle.<\/p>\n
Suttle also said regular F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke has been appointed.<\/p>\n
But even with the new details, doubts about the project remain, including insider sentiment that it resembles past negotiating moves deployed by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.<\/p>\n
Until the shock news of the Austin deal emerged, Monticello Motor Club in New York was considered the front runner for a contract.<\/p>\n
Club president Ari Straus said the 2012 start-date was the biggest surprise.<\/p>\n
“Somebody starting from scratch would not be able to do it until 2013,” he said.<\/p>\n
The implication could be that if Austin is unable to be ready for 2012, Monticello could be back in the frame for a project the following year.<\/p>\n
“If Bernie comes back to the table,” Straus said, “Monticello is ready.”<\/p>\n
But Austin promoter Tavo Hellmund, reportedly a friend of Ecclestone’s for decades, said he is not worried about the tight schedule for 2012.<\/p>\n
“If it (the date) slides back, it slides back,” he said.<\/p>\n
Although mainly funded privately, the project will also enjoy some state input, with a letter to Ecclestone signed by Texas governor Rick Perry pledging $25 million per year from the state’s Mayor Event Trust Fund.<\/p>\n
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