Fresh doubt cast on the 2012 Austin Grand Prix

Fresh doubt has been cast upon the future of the Austin Grand Prix after a fresh dispute reared its head among the race organisers.

The row is between the promoters, full throttle productions and the circuit owners who are building the track. The deal to host the race has to be transferred to the circuit for the race to go ahead and so far this has not happened.

Bobby Epstein, one of the circuit owners highlighted his concerns: "We have spent tremendous resources preparing for the Formula 1 and MotoGP Championship races, but the failure to deliver race contracts gives us great concern. We believe the United States is vital for the future of Formula 1 and its teams and sponsors. Given the purpose-built Tilke design, creating a unique fan experience and iconic challenge for drivers, we hope that Texas will not be left behind. More than 100,000 fans have expressed an interest in purchasing tickets for Formula 1 alone."

Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone has passed on his doubts to the team owners, saying that he too is unsure if the race will indeed go ahead. The delay is made particularly pertinent by the tight schedule that was already in place in the run up to next year’s Grand Prix.

There is some urgency to resolve the issues around the Austin Grand Prix as the FIA World Motor Sport Council is looking to confirm the 2012 calendar next month. Martin Whitmarsh, team principal at McLaren added his own view, saying "America doesn't need F1, we need America. So I think we are excited by the prospect of going to the States. Bernie, I am sure, is working very hard on the Texas race and the New Jersey race, and it is in our programme. We assume we are going there.”

After Red Bull and David Coulthard whetted our appetites in the summer with their Circuit of the Americas photo shoot we can only hope the two parties resolve their differences.