F1, back in the United States in 2012

The return of a United States Grand Prix to the calendar Formula 1 is not a real surprise in itself. The place, on the other hand, is one. For some time now, this North American round has been at the center of all discussions. There was no longer any doubt, the queen discipline was going to return to the USA. Indianapolis, even New York had been mentioned, it will ultimately be Austin, Texas, and for a contract running from 2012 to 2021. The authorities of F1 and Full Throttle Productions LP having reached an agreement, revealed yesterday.

“We are extremely honored and proud to have managed to reach an agreement with the company responsible for the commercial rights of F1, says Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, LP. We have worked together effectively for several years to bring this event to Austin, Texas, and more importantly bring it back to the United States. All parties involved have complete trust in each other and are committed to ensuring that Formula 1 in Austin becomes a renowned event around the world.

An enthusiasm shared by Bernie Ecclestone, delighted with this news.

“For the first time in the history of Formula 1 in the United States, a world-class complex will be built solely to host this event, declares the Briton. It has been thirty years since F1 visited the USA on a permanent circuit, at Watkins Glen (1961-1980), which had also enjoyed great success. Since then she had performed in Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit Dallas and Phoenix, temporary road circuits, then Indianapolis with its circuit traced inside its famous oval took over. Lewis Hamilton won the last United States Grand Prix in 2007, marking the end of an eight-year partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

We know that Americans have very specific tastes when it comes to motorsport, swearing only by it. Nascar and the Indianapolis 500. The F1 events that took place recently at the Super Speedway did not generate extraordinary fervor from the public across the Atlantic. The fiasco of 2005, with only six cars on the track following the withdrawal of all Michelin-shod cars, did not work in its favor either. It remains to be hoped that Austin succeeds in renewing the links between the country of Uncle Sam and F1, and creating a larger-scale popular enthusiasm.