The grand prix circus will return to the United States the season after next after a deal with the city of Austin was thrashed out with commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone.
The US GP fell off the calendar in 2007 after dwindling attendance at the Indianapolis event and a lack of widespread interest in the sport.
But Ecclestone has shown a continued willingness to embrace the country, which has a great tradition of motorsport, revealing today that the Austin event would take place at a purpose-built facility.
“For the first time in the history of Formula 1 in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event,” he announced.
“It was thirty years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success.
“Since then, F1 has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval.
“Lewis Hamilton won the last F1 United States Grand Prix in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for F1 in the US.”
Details are yet to emerge about the exact whereabouts of the track.
