Austrian Grand Prix could return to Formula 1 in near future
According to recent reports, it has been revealed that the newly renovated A1 Ring circuit in Austria can become a part of the Formula 1 calendar in the near future. After the track’s renovation, it is now going to be known as the Red Bull Ring.
The track’s facility was demolished after its last Formula 1 race, which took place back in 2003. Red Bull’s, Dietrich Mateschitz, reportedly, rebuilt it at the cost of a nine-figure Euro sum.
Since drivers such as the 7 time world champion, Michael Schumacher, and, the reigning world champion, Sebastian Vettel, have recently stated that they would love to see the Red Bull Ring as a part of the Formula 1 calendar soon, the track has obtained F1
homologation status.
“If you look at the new F1 circuits, the ones that came recently and the ones that are coming, one has to say the probability of Formula One returning to Spielberg [the site of the Red Bull Ring] is more than minor”, said Mateschitz.
According to CEO of Formula 1 Management, Bernie Ecclestone, who attended the official opening of the renovated Red Bull Ring circuit this past Saturday (14th May 2011), an Austrian Grand Prix in the coming couple of years is “possible”.
Other than that, triple world champion, Niki Lauda, has recently stated that the organizers might have some surprises in store for the Formula 1 fans regarding the Austrian Grand Prix. “There are several obstacles to overcome, but, firstly, no one knows
what Mr. Mateschitz is planning”, he said.
Niki Lauda, won the Austrian Grand Prix back in 1984 when the event used to take place under the Osterreichring layout.
The last Austrian Grand Prix was won by Michael Schumacher back in 2003 where he was followed by Kimi Raikkonen, who finished just 3 seconds behind him in 2nd place. Rubens Barrichello followed in 3rd place to give Ferrari a double
podium finish.
Ferrari secured both constructors’ and drivers’ titles in 2003 comfortably, before securing the titles once again in 2004, in order to defend their titles successfully for the 4th time in a row. The team lost titles to Renault and Fernando Alonso
in 2005.
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