Ecclestone, Red Bull, agree deal for 2014 Austria GP (2nd Update)

UPDATE #2 OSTERREICH reported "not everyone in Spielberg is cheering." Resident Ombudsman Karl Arbesser "was surprised and highlighted previously voiced concerns." He said that "he does not know how the Red Bull Ring could host a grand prix under its current regulations." Restrictions in regards to noise and attendance numbers "have to be considered." Currently the Ring has the approval to host a maximum attendance of 40,000 on only 10 days per year. The noise is another issue. At the DTM race, noise was allowed to reach a maximum of 84 dB. Arbesser said that "he could not imagine F1 cars are complying with this number." OSTERREICH.

MOTORSPORT TOTAL's Haidinger also reported "it is not clear who will pay the millions in grand prix fee." Last year, Red Bull Motorsport Dir Helmut Marko said that his employer would not qualify as a financier. Marko: "It would have to be paid by the government like everywhere else." MOTORSPORT TOTAL

07/23/13 A lap around the circuit with Marc Gene in a Ferrari in 2011.

07/23/13

A1-Ring

(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has agreed a deal with Dietrich Mateschitz for a grand prix at the renovated and relaunched Red Bull Ring in 2014.

The energy drink company, headed by Austrian billionaire and F1 team owner Mateschitz, stunned the formula one world with the news that was delivered via a brief statement early on Tuesday.

Austria last hosted a grand prix, held at the same Spielberg circuit then known as the A1-Ring, in 2003.

"Dietrich Mateschitz and Bernie Ecclestone have reached an agreement to the effect that formula one will return to Styria next year," Tuesday's statement read.

However, subsequent media reports, including by the German news agencies SID and DPA, clarified that the race will in fact only take place on July 6 next year if "all necessary regulatory approvals" are given.