F-1 back on?

[TRE Cup]

For all Formula 1 fans and those who have supported the F1 Watch Parties be assured there will be a race in Austin in 2012.

The official word as of this morning:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2011

Formula 1™ and Circuit of The Americas™ Ready to Roll

10-Year Race Contract

Brings F1™ Back to the U.S. in 2012; Construction to Resume

Immediately

AUSTIN, Texas – December 7, 2011 – Circuit of The Americas announced today they have

reached an agreement with Formula One Management that ensures the Formula 1 United

States Grand Prix remains on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship race calendar.

Red McCombs, chairman of McCombs Enterprises and founding partner of Circuit of The

Americas stated, “Mr. Ecclestone received his check today. We want to thank the fans

supporting us, the local officials and businesses that have encouraged us, the State of Texas,

Circuit of The Americas’ staff and Bernie himself. I want to thank and commend Bobby Epstein

for getting us across the finish line. Bobby’s perseverance and leadership kept the project on

track despite unfair and unfounded criticism.”

“Our investors have believed all along that this project has tremendous benefit for our region,

and provides a strong economic engine for the future,” stated Epstein, founding partner of

Circuit of The Americas. We remain committed to reaching our goal of being valuable

community partners as we establish a platform for sports and entertainment. We’re glad that

Tavo’s vision of bringing F1 to the people of Texas will become a reality.”

Engineering and construction teams working on the track will resume immediately, ensuring

completion for the 2012 race date.

“We have a substantial number of fans who have expressed interest in buying tickets and

hospitality, so today is a win for all of them as much as it is for Circuit of The Americas,” said

Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas. “We encourage everyone to visit our

website and register for information. Registered fans will receive the first communication

regarding ticket sales plans. In a matter of weeks we will have more exciting news as we unveil

our full calendar of world class events.”

Fans interested in receiving information about tickets for next year’s Formula 1 United States

Grand Prix can register their contact information at

Circuit of The Americas™ Press Center. Ticket sales

information will be communicated to those registered prior to general public notification.

About Circuit of The Americas

Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and

business. It will be the first purpose-built Formula 1 Grand Prix facility in the United States

designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power.

The master plan for Circuit of The Americas features a variety of permanent structures designed

for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile

(5.5-km) circuit track. Other support buildings will include a medical facility, 14 executive

meeting suites, a conference center, and a banquet hall, as well as an expansive outdoor live

music space. Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports

driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle

park.

For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit:

Circuit of The Americas™ Press Center.

Media Inquiries:

Jeff Hahn

Representing Circuit of The Americas

Office: 512-344-2017

jhahn@hahntexas.com

Ali Putnam

Circuit of The Americas

Office: 512-301-6600

ali.putnam@circuitoftheamericas.com

[GH85Carrera]

I hope it is on. I will not make hotel reservations yet. If it goes I will be there to see it.

[Scooter]

[HelmetHead]

I'm gonna give this my best possible Texan "YEEEEEHAW" !!!!!

[masraum]

Fingers crossed. I really want to see an F1 race! I told the wife that if it comes to town (well, the next town over), I'm going.

[mattdavis11]

I hear Bernie has the money, the contract is signed and the track employees showed up for work today. It's on the F1 Schedule (their website) for Nov 16-18. I'm sure McCombs (mainly) and his posse had to come up with the coin, they had too much invested already to let it bomb.

The state is keeping quiet.

[Joeaksa]

Now lets see just how Bernie will cock it up in the next year or so. The sport really will be a lot better when he retires...