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Post by Anna on Nov 24, 2011 13:33:36 GMT
€5.5 million losses for Belgian Grand Prix
24 November 2011
The Belgian Formula 1 race made more losses this year, the country’s government has confirmed. The Spa event, which could alternate with France in future seasons, has been confirmed to have made a loss of nearly five and a half million euros.
Although five percent less tickets were sold this year in comparison with 2010, the legendary Ardennes track enjoyed greater revenues than 12 months ago; however, a higher number of outgoings resulted in overall losses of €5.5m (£4.7m), half a million euros down on the losses of last year. With 45,000 tickets having been sold for the latest race, the circuit would need to vend some 20,000 more in order to break even.
Unsurprisingly, talk of alternating the Belgian Grand Prix with a race in neighbouring France continues, with the latter having been off the calendar since Magny-Cours last hosted an F1 event three years ago. In the event of a return, Paul Ricard would be the scene for the first time since 1990.
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Post by Anna on Dec 1, 2011 14:04:54 GMT
Ecclestone extends Texas deadline by one week
1 December 2011
Bernie Ecclestone has given organisers of the returning United States Grand Prix one more week to save their race, having previously said that he would be taking it off the calendar. In 2012, the USA is set to return to the Formula 1 calendar with its brand-new, Hermann Tilke-designed Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Bernie Ecclestone
After original race promoter Tavo Hellmund’s Full Throttle Productions pulled out of the project, the programme was taken up by the Circuit of the Americas itself thanks to the backing of several key investors. However, recent weeks have seen much doubt cast over the future of the event as Ecclestone’s frustration seemingly appeared to grow.
“The deadline hasn't been met, so we are still trying to make it happen,” Ecclestone, the head of F1 commercial rights holders Formula One Management, explained to the Associated Press. “They need to get some money and a pen…as soon as possible.
“They know full well. Deadlines are terrible things because people always go to the end of the deadline. But if it isn't all signed before the World Motor Sport Council (FIA’s WMSC) meeting, it can't happen.”
A second race in the US – titled the Grand Prix of Americas – is also scheduled to debut on the F1 calendar, with a New Jersey street circuit joining the fray in 2013.
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Post by r1ch91 on Dec 8, 2011 17:54:39 GMT
Austin circuit construction set to go ahead after Ecclestone deal
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, December 7th 2011, 13:25 GMT
Circuit of the Americas chiefs have announced construction of the track will resume immediately after saying they have reached an agreement with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
The event, scheduled to host the penultimate round of the 2012 championship, was in doubt after construction was stopped because of problems with the contracts.
Ecclestone gave organisers an extended deadline after failing to meet the original one.
After the race was included in the final 2012 calendar released by the FIA, Austin officials said work on the track will resume right away, and they are confident it will be ready for the grand prix.
"Mr. Ecclestone received his check today. We want to thank the fans supporting us, the local officials and businesses that have encouraged us, the State of Texas, Circuit of The Americas' staff and Bernie himself," said founding partner Red McCombs.
"I want to thank and commend Bobby Epstein for getting us across the finish line. Bobby's perseverance and leadership kept the project on track despite unfair and unfounded criticism.
"Our investors have believed all along that this project has tremendous benefit for our region, and provides a strong economic engine for the future," stated Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas.
"We remain committed to reaching our goal of being valuable community partners as we establish a platform for sports and entertainment. We're glad that Tavo's vision of bringing F1 to the people of Texas will become a reality."
"We have a substantial number of fans who have expressed interest in buying tickets and hospitality, so today is a win for all of them as much as it is for Circuit of The Americas," said Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas, added.
"We encourage everyone to visit our website and register for information. Registered fans will receive the first communication regarding ticket sales plans. In a matter of weeks we will have more exciting news as we unveil our full calendar of world class events."
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Post by r1ch91 on Dec 8, 2011 17:55:16 GMT
FIA confirms unchanged, 20-race 2012 calendar
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, December 7th 2011, 11:41 GMT
Formula 1's ruling body, the FIA, has confirmed the 2012 calendar, with no changes compared to the 20-race version unveiled in August.
The calendar includes the race in Austin, Texas, despite doubts about the construction of the circuit.
Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had extended the deadline given to the Austin organisers after they were unable to sort their contract issues in time.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, also in doubt because of the continued unrest in the country, is included in the 20-event schedule too.
Bahrain was withdrawn from the 2011 calendar following months of uncertainty because of the problems in the country.
The 2012 season will kick off in Australia on 18 March and will finish again in Brazil on 25 November.
2012 Formula 1 calendar
18 March Australian GP
25 March Malaysian GP
15 April Chinese GP
22 April Bahrain GP
13 May Spanish GP
27 May Monaco GP
10 June Canada GP
24 June European GP
8 July British GP
22 July German GP
29 July Hungarian GP
2 September Belgian GP
9 September Italian GP
23 September Singapore GP
7 October Japanese GP
14 October Korean GP
28 October Indian GP
4 November Abu Dhabi GP
18 November US GP
25 November Brazilian GP
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Post by Anna on Jan 2, 2012 23:04:13 GMT
France now close to F1 calendar return
"Things are moving in a very real way"
Wednesday 21 December 2011 - 08h30, by GMM
France’s return to the F1 calendar after a three year absence is now looming.
That is the claim of Gilles Dufeigneux, who in June was appointed directly by French prime minister Francois Fillon to lead efforts to arrange the race’s comeback.
It is reported by the Var-Matin newspaper that the event would be staged at Paul Ricard, with an annual race date alternating with Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps.
"Things are moving in a very real way," said Dufeigneux.
"All the indicators are green now, or soon will be. My current mood is summarised with three words: optimism, prudence, humility.
"We have entered the stage of completion and we can say that final decisions will be made very soon, in January or early February," he revealed.
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Post by Anna on Jan 2, 2012 23:26:53 GMT
F1 must not abandon Europe - Montezemolo
"We must not exaggerate by going to race in deserts"
Wednesday 28 December 2011 - 08h05, by GMM
Luca di Montezemolo is worried about F1’s trend away from Europe.
F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said recently that he predicts only a handful of races in Europe will still be present on the calendar in a few years.
"I give him credit that in all these years he has always had great respect for the role and importance of Ferrari in F1," the Italian marque’s president di Montezemolo is quoted by Autosprint.
"But I cannot accept this trend of F1 going away from Europe. We cannot abandon our continent, because it represents the history of formula one.
"It’s fine that formula one goes all over the world, but we must not exaggerate by going to race in deserts or where there is no culture for racing.
"For years now the calendar has missed a historic race like France, and now a legendary circuit like Spa is at risk — to be replaced with what?
"I don’t know if Ecclestone really said there will only be five European races left, but I don’t believe it," added Montezemolo.
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Post by Anna on Jan 25, 2012 9:31:55 GMT
F1 return unlikely as US issues Bahrain alert
"We expect that planned and spontaneous demonstrations will continue"
Wednesday 25 January 2012 - 10h01, by GMM
Bahrain’s formula one return in April is now looking unlikely.
Amid reports the situation inside the troubled island Kingdom is still not stable, the Sakhir circuit’s boss Zayed al-Zayeni last week insisted Bahrain and the world "has to move on".
But not everyone agrees, including the US State Department which has warned Americans of political unrest.
"The department ... strongly urges US citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly, and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse," the new alert about Bahrain reads.
The department also said US staff are being moved to safer locations.
"We expect that planned and spontaneous demonstrations will continue," a US spokesman told the Gulf Daily News.
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Post by Anna on Jan 25, 2012 9:33:57 GMT
French PM shows ’green light’ to 2013 F1 return
"The negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone can begin"
Wednesday 25 January 2012 - 07h44, by GMM
France is poised to return to the F1 calendar.
French-language RMC Sports reports that prime minister Francois Fillon has finally "given the green light" to the race at Paul Ricard to alternate annually with Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps, beginning in 2013.
"The negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone can begin," read the report, adding that "informal meetings" with the F1 chief executive have already been held.
Fillon’s decision follows a minister’s meeting last Thursday, and RMC said the Var region has also agreed.
"There are still some loose ends to tie up with the department of Alpes-Maritimes," said the report.
RMC said the French carmaker and F1 engine supplier Renault may also be closely involved with the French event.
"The eyes are now on the Belgian side, who must also validate the project."
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Post by Anna on Jan 25, 2012 9:34:36 GMT
Valencia in F1 contract talks for different conditions
"We want to continue with the grand prix"
Friday 20 January 2012 - 10h14, by GMM
Valencia’s regional president has confirmed he wants F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to lower the fee for the European grand prix street race.
We reported this week that Alberto Fabra, president of the Valencia Generalitat, had a "private" meeting on Tuesday with Ecclestone in London.
EFE news agency said Fabra wants to "negotiate down" its contracted race fee amid Spain’s economic crisis.
"We want to continue with the grand prix of Europe," Fabra is quoted as saying by Spanish reports including the sports daily Marca, "but with different conditions."
He confirmed during a press conference in Madrid on Thursday that the negotiations with Ecclestone are for staging the race with "lower costs to find the right balance".
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Post by Anna on Jan 25, 2012 9:35:05 GMT
Austin venue to be finished in August
The workers are working six days a week"
Friday 20 January 2012 - 07h36, by GMM
The scene of November’s inaugural formula one race in Austin, Texas, should be ready for the US grand prix well ahead of time, according to media reports.
The Italiaracing website claims that, in the wake of recent speculation the event might collapse altogether, the Circuit of the Americas is now on track to be completed by August.
"The workers are working six days a week to complete the paddock buildings and grandstands," read the report.
The Austin American Statesman newspaper says the actual track surface will be laid much closer to the race date.
That report said "tonnes of equipment and hundreds of workers" have been pouring into the site since organisers finally paid the race fee to F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone following a disagreement.
Insiders have said time is now preciously short to finish the track before its scheduled 18 November race date.
Backer Bobby Epstein said last week: "Our construction group said they can get it done."
The Statesman said the main grandstand is about the size of "a good-size high school football stadium", with the rest of the spectators to sit on "temporary scaffolding".
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Post by Anna on Jan 25, 2012 9:50:57 GMT
Ecclestone committed to Bahrain’s 2012 return
"Lots of people are talking badly about that part of the world"
Monday 23 January 2012 - 11h01, by GMM
Bernie Ecclestone sounds fully committed to formula one’s highly controversial return to Bahrain in April.
The 2011 pre-season test and race were cancelled due to unrest within the island Kingdom, and some insist those troubles are not yet over.
But the event’s return this year has been definitively scheduled, and F1 chief executive Ecclestone sounds committed.
"Lots of people are talking badly about that part of the world," he told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper, whilst attending the Kitzbuhel downhill skiing event in Austria.
"But Bahrain is the country in the Arab world in which there are the fewest problems," the 81-year-old insisted.
There are a cluttered 20 events scheduled on the 2012 calendar, but Bahrain is not the only one with a question mark hanging above its race date.
There are fears Korea’s organisers are already losing interest, doubts about construction of the new Austin venue, and European races in Spain, Germany and elsewhere facing economic problems.
Ecclestone does not seem worried.
"We could do deals today with five new promoters," he revealed. "The demand is high — there is great interest from Mexico.
"But more races costs more, also for the teams who probably would have to increase their staff a lot. But we could find solutions," said Ecclestone.
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Post by Anna on Jan 25, 2012 9:51:39 GMT
Spanish hosts begin talks for alternating plan
"We should not have two races there"
Monday 23 January 2012 - 09h40, by GMM
Valencia and Barcelona - F1’s two Spanish race hosts - are now in "informal contact" about alternating a single annual date on future calendars.
According to the Spanish-language news agencies EP and EFE, it was the Valencian government’s vice-president Jose Ciscar who made the comment last Friday.
A day earlier, the president Alberto Fabra confirmed he had a meeting in London last week with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, asking to keep the Spanish port city on the calendar but with "different conditions".
Ciscar said Fabra passed on to Ecclestone the "economic difficulties" being faced within Spain, and the need for "major events like formula one" to become "less burdensome" to the region’s coffers.
He said there would be "more news in the coming weeks".
Ecclestone, meanwhile, admitted to Austria’s Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper: "I have tried to get Barcelona and Valencia to alternate, but the Spaniards have not wanted to discuss it.
"We should not have two races there," he added.
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