F1 could return to rebuilt A1-Ring

UPDATE (GMM) Dietrich Mateschitz has rubbished reports a rebuilt A1-Ring circuit could see formula one return to Austria. Formerly known as the Osterreichring, the central Austrian venue dropped off the calendar in 2003 and was demolished.

But supported by Red Bull mogul Mateschitz, EUR 70 million reconstruction works began late in 2008, including new pit buildings and grandstands.

The billionaire said at the time that "speaking about a return of formula one" to Austria "would be absurd".

But it was rumored in Valencia last weekend that F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone sees the A1-Ring, set to reopen in April or May 2011, as a potential replacement for an Asian race.

But Mateschitz told a weekend edition of the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper: "This is unbelievable nonsense.

"Unfortunately, such stupidity was adopted and disseminated by numerous media.

"All I can say is that Bernie knows nothing about it, and neither do I. There is nothing to it," he added.

06/29/10 (GMM) Formula one could soon return to Austria. After dropping off the grand prix calendar in 2003, the A1-Ring in Zeltweg – located in central Austria – was demolished.

Supported by Red Bull mogul Dietrich Mateschitz, EUR 70 million reconstruction works began late in 2008, including new pit buildings and grandstands.

But although Mateschitz said at the time that "speaking about a return of formula one" to Austria "would be absurd", a report in the Kleine Zeitung newspaper has now raised that possibility.

The Styria-based newspaper said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone sees the former Osterreichring as a potential replacement for a current Asian race.

Kleine Zeitung said the A1-Ring rumor was heard "several times" in the Valencia paddock last weekend.

The rebuilt circuit, with a DTM race already likely, is set to re-open in April or May of next year.