24/06/2012
NEWS STORY
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Mat Coch writes:
New Jersey will not host a Grand Prix in 2013 according to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone who doesn't believe construction at the venue is progressing as it should.
Doubts over the race have been bubbling just below the surface for some time, Pitpass for one raising concerns over its financial arrangements. Organisers claim that private money will be used to fund the race, though no further details have been forthcoming.
The continued speculation has forced Leo Hindery, the driving force behind the project, to defend the proposed event, claiming that it is on track for 2013 as recently as a week ago.
"If we had any doubt, we wouldn't have brought Sebastian and all these people here," Hindery argued. "I don't know where these rumours are coming from but this race is going forward."
Ecclestone though still has doubts. "No, definitely no," he responded when the BBC queried whether Formula One would be in New Jersey next year.
"I think everybody wants us to be there, it seems that all the politicians are happy, I don't think from that point of view there is any problem," he continued. "If they get the place finished the way we want it, then I'm sure there'll be a big difference, but I don't think they will.
"What I've seen up to now, and what's been going on, I'm not quite as sure as they are," he added. "If they can get it completed, and confirm to us it will be done, for sure they'll be on the calendar."
"If they can do that in one year, it shouldn't be a big problem to lay some Tarmac and put some fences up," Ecclestone added. "I think you can do a lot in one year. It was exactly one year since I last went to New York. They are building the Freedom Tower in Manhattan, and it's nearly done."
Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel visited the New Jersey site after the Canadian Grand Prix, taking to the street circuit in a road car. "It should be a very good track," the German said at the time. "When I saw the hill and a left-handed downhill corner, it reminded me a bit of Spa."