Tavo Hellmund suggests adding Austin in F1 Calendar for next forty years
Tavo Hellmund, the promoter for United States Grand Prix programme is very enthusiastic and optimistic about having Austin on Formula1 calendar that he suggests to keep it there for next '40 years'. He proclaims that the venue will suit Formula1 brilliantly for a large number of reasons.
The Formula1 caravan is set to visit America once again in 2012 at the new purpose-built track near Texas, after a gap of five years. It had its last race at Indianapolis and America had not been included in the calendar since then.
The promoter of the race, Hellmund considers the location to be one of the most ideal venues for F1 and claims that the long search of FIA for a permanent home in US would end now.
"I considered Austin as the ultimate place and I went to Bernie with this idea," he explained while talking to the official website of Formula1.
He further elaborated his statement telling that Austin has undergone a lot of development over the last 15 years and has raised itself to become the most suitable place for United States Grand Prix.
Texas is the eleventh biggest economy worldwide and also encompasses the headquarters of most of the Fortune 500 companies and Austin is its capital.
Another big reason why this place is being considered as one of the best suited locations is its geographical location. It is one of the places that is visited by a large number of Americans each year, and is easily accessible for the countrymen as well as the race-lovers from central and South America, as it lies somewhat in the centre for all.
Hellmund further stresses on his view point saying, "My philosophy is that you will succeed if you are at the right place at the right time - and for a Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, I consider it to be the right time. We have a contract for the next 10 years, but if you ask me we could race here for the next 40 years!"
America used to have two races on its territory a few years back, now there are a lot of rumours once again that they might start again with the tradition.. However, Bernie Ecclestone, the supremo of Formula1 announced that so far nothing as such had been planned, as he could see Austin to be the only venue in the country for hosting the race and a few more years might be required before they could return to America for a double treat in a season.
He also announced that only the next US Grand Prix would be held in Austin and any other stories are mere speculations. He clarified his statement adding that he does not mean having two races a year is impossible rather he only meant to say that so far nothing has been decided further.
While answering another question Bernie said that he would be only insane to say 'no thanks' to a race in New York, if all goes good. However, this currently seems to be nothing more than a pipedream.
At the present both Hellmund and Ecclestone are worried for another issue, and that is the absence of any of the American racer from Formula1 calendar. They believe that at least one or two local racers must be present in 2012 season to keep people involved.
Scott Speed had been the last American driver in F1, who drove for Toro Rosso, and since his departure there had been none representing the U.S.
Tags: