F1 coming back to the US (Austin, TX) in 2012

[saggs]

Looks like Austin may be out... New York may be in for 2012...

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100521/F1/305219998

Interesting, but I'd say just the opposite is true.   

After reading both articles, the one from Autoweek, and this one from the official F1 website.  It appears that they where both trying to get the US Grand Prix, but in the end Bernie picked Austin.

From Autoweek, dated 5-24

Straus and MMC chairman Bill McMichael met with Ecclestone a few months ago to talk about hosting a Grand Prix

this is a story from an unofficial source, that says they where negotiating for it a 'few months ago' and that no agreement was reached.

From Formula1.com, dated one day later 5-25

Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited (together, the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) and Full Throttle Productions, LP, promoter of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, announce that a historic agreement has been reached for Austin, Texas to serve as the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ for years 2012 through 2021.

  This is an official announcement of an agreement reached on their official website.

Sorry New Yorkers, but it looks like Bernie likes Texas better.

[Widewing]

Interesting, but I'd say just the opposite is true.  

After reading both articles, the one from Autoweek, and this one from the official F1 website.  It appears that they where both trying to get the US Grand Prix, but in the end Bernie picked Austin.

From Autoweek, dated 5-24 this is a story from an unofficial source, that says they where negotiating for it a 'few months ago' and that no agreement was reached.

From Formula1.com, dated one day later 5-25  This is an official announcement of an agreement reached on their official website.

Sorry New Yorkers, but it looks like Bernie likes Texas better.

Actually, Ecclestone prefers New York. Much more money to be made there. In his letter to the MMC, Ecclestone stated, "New York is our preferred venue for the USA round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. We hope that you are able to secure the commitments required."

Perhaps Ecclestone will go with Austin (there is a preliminary agreement in place, but no contract has been signed to date), because the finances are in place. However, if he had his druthers, New York is where he would prefer to have the race. New York is the financial center of the world, and it's also the cultural center of the western hemisphere. There's much that appeals to F1 there... However, obtaining support from New York State may be difficult. Our Governor is a lame duck and like California, the budget is in a shambles.

Wherever it is held, an F1 race in the States is a very good thing.

[saggs]

Hmmm.

Yeah, it makes sense that Bernie would want to have it in New York, it does seem a more logical choice.  But perhaps the MMC people weren't able to get it together on their end with their "commitments required."