Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

F1: Approval delay threatens 2012 US grand prix

|
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectTecnic
Khatir Soltani
From GMM

A dark cloud of uncertainty has gathered above preparations for the 2012 US grand prix in Austin.

Shortly after it emerged that the Texas comptroller is being sued by a group of taxpayers over the Circuit of the Americas' state support, the Austin City Council met on Thursday to vote on the release of the funding.

But local news outlets KXAN, KVUE, YNN and the American Statesman report that the vote has been postponed for a week, by which time a new council member who is opposed to the F1 project may be able to cast the deciding vote.

"We felt we had support going into this meeting. We thought we would get the necessary approval today to move forward, but any support is welcomed and encouraged," said the F1 circuit's president Steve Sexton.

"For a $300 million economic project, we would hope to gain support certainly next Wednesday and move on," he added.

The F1 project's lawyer Richard Suttle admitted he is also nervous.

"I can't say it any more emphatically that we are now nervous from a daily basis. If you push it, it gives us great trepidation on this thing pulling off," he said.

Richard Suttle added during the meeting that a delay is "a major concern", while Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell said it could "kill the project".



Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada