Bernie Says Hola Mexico, Fuggedaboutit New Jersey

[cosworth151]

Bernie Ecclestone says plans for an F1 race around a New Jersey sewage farm are dead. He is talking again about putting a race at Mexico City's Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez. That circuit last hosted an F1 race in 1992.

There is no official word on whether the loss of Ecclestone's American alter ego, Tony Soprano, has anything to do with the much overdue loss of New Jersey.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130825/f1/130829880#ixzz2d5EwV6dE

[Jericoke]

Certainly some interesting names involved with the Mexican GP.

Carlos Slim Domit, member of the FIA senate, and son of the gazillionarie.

Tavo Hellmund, the man behind the US GP.

I was curious to see the American Grand Prix, but look forward to a Mexican race.

[cosworth151]

I'd like to see a race return to the Rodriguez Brothers circuit. I think it would cost a fortune to bring it back up to modern F1 standards. Having Hellmund involved does sour me on the project.

[lkjohnson1950]

I was sorry to lose New Jersey as well, but not too surprised. The hurricane probably killed what ever chance they really had. Having seen the Rodriguez Brothers track on TV a couple years ago, it would certainly take millions to get it close to Bernie's specs. And they would have to reroute a major road to get enough run off for it's signature corner, the Peraltada to be used as originally designed. Would like to see it happen though.

[Scott]

Bringing the Mexico track up to spec is pocket change to the Slim family, so if Bernie has green lighted the plan, you can be sure they are writing cheques.

[John S]

Seems the Mayor of West New York is selling an entirely different story to Mr E over the demise of the New Jersey race.   

Now either the Mayor doesn't know it's FOM that put forward a calendar to the FIA for approval, or more likely Bernie's been using media scare tactics to get the hosting fee payment moving;    
..............or just maybe the New Jersey families have put the fix in politically (or otherwise) at 8 place de la Concorde, Paris.     

West New York Mayor Felix Roque has dismissed claims by Bernie Ecclestone that the 2014 Grand Prix of America is officially off.

Formula One surpremo Ecclestone revealed on Friday that the inaugural race in New Jersey has been cancelled telling CNN: "It's not on the cards for next year. They haven't got any money."

However, Roque insists the race at the Port Imperial Street Circuit will go ahead as planned next year.

"As far as we are concerned, the race is still on," he is quoted as saying by Nj.com. "(Construction crews) are working diligently on Boulevard East, getting curbs and sidewalks done. ... They are out there today."

He added: "The race will be a big boom to the local and state and economy. This will put us on the map worldwide."

Finances remain a major sticking point, but organisers say they will only comment on any issues related to the race once the FIA has released its 2014 calendar.

"We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the story, but we don't discuss media reports or financial matters," a spokesman for the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial said.

"We will have a statement after the FIA announces the 2014 calendar. Until then, we're continuing to prepare for the 2014 Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial."

Planetf1.com, Today.