Organisers of a United States grand prix risk penalties if the race does not go ahead in 2012.<\/p>\n
That is the warning of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, who more than a month ago announced a 10-year contract for a race in Austin, Texas.<\/p>\n
The contract, with promoter Tavo Hellmund’s company, involves the construction of a purpose-built circuit.<\/p>\n
But given a lack of details so far, and the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s failure to make the US GP a success, some pundits are sceptical about Austin’s bid.<\/p>\n
For example, the source of the bulk of the funding is a mystery, with Ecclestone revealing only to the Austin daily American-Statesman that the backers are from the US.<\/p>\n
It has also been suggested that 2012 is an overly optimistic race debut date, but Briton Ecclestone insists it will take place then.<\/p>\n
“That’s what the contract says,” he said.\u00a0 “It might turn out to be expensive for Tavo.\u00a0 We’ve got some penalty clauses, although I wouldn’t want to use them.”<\/p>\n
Ecclestone said he is confident Hellmund’s project will succeed.<\/p>\n
“Until he doesn’t (succeed), we won’t know,” said the 79-year-old.\u00a0 “You might say I couldn’t run the 100 metres in seven seconds, but until I try, you don’t know.”<\/p>\n
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