Ecclestone not accepting counter-offer for 2012 US GP
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| What, now you want to pay after jerking me around? |
(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone insists a US grand prix in Texas next year remains unlikely, despite race organizers announcing they are now "ready" to pay the sport its overdue sanctioning fee.
With the Circuit of the Americas project reportedly dying, the organizers issued a statement on Thursday announcing they are willing to make "an immediate cash payment".
"He (Ecclestone) hasn't received it yet because the new contract presented to us two weeks ago contained unrealistic and unfeasible demands," said founding partner Bobby Epstein.
"We have signed and returned a contract similar to what we anticipated receiving."
He admitted the 2012 race will only take place as scheduled if F1's 81-year-old chief executive returns the revised contract "in the coming few days".
That appears highly unlikely.
"I doubt it," Ecclestone, holding a copy of the Circuit of the Americas statement, told reporters at Interlagos.
Asked about Epstein's complaint that the proposed deal is "unrealistic and unfeasible", he said: "Yeah, well they shouldn't sign it. My advice to them is don't sign it. And they probably won't get the opportunity." Related Article
11/24/11 Circuit of The Americas has responded to Formula One Management’s contract requirements by agreeing to an immediate cash payment of the sanctioning fee for the 2012 United States Grand Prix (USGP). In addition, Circuit of The Americas has offered to establish an advance payment schedule for USGP races beyond 2012.
The offer comes after several weeks of talks, and once accepted, will secure the USGP on the Formula 1 race calendar.
“We have been ready to send Mr. Ecclestone a sanctioning fee check for some time now," said Bobby Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas. “He hasn’t received it yet because the new contract presented to us two weeks ago contained unrealistic and unfeasible demands. We have signed and returned a contract similar to what we anticipated receiving. This race should be a reality, but if we are going to make the 2012 race date, we must receive a countersignature in the coming few days. We believe the teams, fans, sponsors and local business share our enthusiasm and hope that their voices will be heard."