Mexican GP set for 2013 return UPDATE
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| CART drew almost 400,000 people to the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in 2002. Today IndyCar is happy if they get 15,000 to 20,000 paid attendance at a Milwaukee, such is the damage done by the creation of the IRL |
(GMM) Mexico is not quite ready to confirm the country's return to the formula one calendar, key figure Carlos Slim has revealed.
We reported a month ago that the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City, the scene of the last Mexican grand prix in 1992, is being lined up to host formula one again in 2013, replacing Valencia.
The original report in Spanish sports newspaper Marca said the race will be backed by many of Sauber driver Sergio Perez's sponsors, including billionaire Slim.
Telmex's Slim, however, told Marca this week that he cannot confirm the news.
"There are many variables to make a grand prix a reality," he insisted.
"We still need a few more things before we come to a formal proposal and everything takes its time. Hopefully it can be a reality soon."
But Slim agreed that Mexico has proved it deserves a place on the calendar, given the amount of tickets for the forthcoming US grand prix that have been bought by Mexicans.
And amid the economic troubles elsewhere, Slim argued it is a "great time" for Mexico, which has "all the characteristics to (host) large events".
"We are working on a formal proposal," he reiterated. "As far as I know everything is being done in optimal time."
05/30/12 (GMM) F1 is returning to Mexico in 2013, according to a report in a Spanish sports newspaper.
Marca reports that the race will take place at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City, which was the scene of the last Mexican grand prix in 1992.
The report said the race is backed by many of Sauber driver Sergio Perez's sponsors, including Telmex, Interproteccion, Tequila Cuervo and Mexico's tourism ministry.
"They are willing to support the grand prix, which will replace Valencia," wrote Marca journalist Jose Maria Rubio.
The report said the necessary bodies and the president have approved a contract with Bernie Ecclestone for an initial period of five years.
"Refurbishment work on the circuit should begin as soon as the elections happen (in July)," revealed Rubio. "Everything should be ready for the race mid next year".
Mexico 1992, won by Nigel Mansell, was Michael Schumacher's first of 154 career podiums.
