New York could be back in contention to host a Formula 1 race in the near future, just a number of years after the event was mothballed following a difficulty in finding enough funding.
In 2012 a location on the opposite side of the Hudson River to New York in Weehawken, New Jersey was planned to host the race. Noted for its iconic backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, the Hermann Tilke designed circuit took advantage of elevation changes while having great access to public transport.
Claiming a spot on the 2013 calendar, it was later dropped with former FOM chief executive Bernie Ecclestone suggesting the organisers, headed by Leo Hindery, had breached their contract following a shortfall in funding. Unusually for the time, they planned to use no public money to fund the event and further delays followed. The event didn’t even make the draft calendar for the 2016 season.
However, with Formula 1 now under American ownership, a renewed look at the North American market has started and only last week the city council in Long Beach has opened a study into the feasibility of hosting a race for the first time in over 30 years.
In an article by German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, they have revealed that a race in New York could be a possibility in 2019. The revival of the New Jersey circuit masterminded by Chase Carey, Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches would theoretically be ready for 2018. It would be unlikely with 21 races expected for next season already, although still early days for confirming a calendar.
The article even suggests it could be night race which would be an unusual move, given it would mean a start time of around midnight for European audiences, traditionally Formula 1’s biggest market.
