Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has hinted that Argentina could return to the race calendar,
Argentina last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 1998, in the city of Buenos Aires. Ecclestone said that ‘it can happen. Not will, can’
Latin America clinched its second Grand Prix race track this season with the return of the Mexico Grand Prix, the other being the Brazilian Grand Prix. It’s the first Mexican Grand Prix for 23 years. Race organisers are hoping for a crowd of over 100,000 fans this weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Ecclestone said that it was ‘incredible’ for ‘countries in a little bit of financial problems are getting the job done. This is when some of our people in Europe, who complain about things, realise what people like these do to promote the race and make it happen and compare it with what they do.’
Countries such as China, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Russia, Mexico, Singapore and Azerbaijan (from next year) are some of the many new countries to host Formula One races, and all benefit from state funding.
The European government can not easily justify race fees. These fees are around £26m-£32m a year, especially for new races. Countries, such as England, raise the fees of around £13m a year for private reasons.
These financial problems have seen countries such as Germany have to resign from the F1 calendar, last hosting a Grand Prix last year in Hockenheim – despite housing Mercedes. Italian classic track Monza has yet to sign a contract that will see them on the race calendar after 2016.
Ecclestone met the Mexico President – Enrique Pena Nieto – in Mexico City yesterday [Thursday]. The chief executive said that Mexico’s place on the F1 calendar is assured for now. He said that ‘it was long term before and it will be long term again.
Mexico hosted Formula One races between 1986 and 1992 before hosting again in 2015.
Ecclestone has applauded the efforts to bring the Mexican Grand Prix back to the calendar.
This weekend’s Grand Prix will focus on Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who drives for Force India.
