• US Grand Prix

Austin misses track design deadlines

ESPNF1 Staff
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Hermann Tilke: 'We are used to working under time pressure' © Getty Images
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Organisers of the 2012 United States Grand Prix in Texas have missed a deadline to lodge the design of its circuit with F1's governing body. But designer Hermann Tilke was unconcerned with the tight timescale. "We are used to working under time pressure," he said. "That doesn't threaten us."

Promoter Tavo Hellmund said in early August that the Austin layout would be presented to the FIA's Circuits Commission in September. But, according to the Austin Business Journal, that deadline was missed. Sources said the organisers can theoretically submit the plans well into 2011, and a spokesman said the missed deadline is not an indication of problems.

The organisers revealed the basic design of the track to the public on September 1, and more detail to local authorities later last month, although there have been issues there with concerns over the ability of the area to cope with the planned number of spectators.

"We look forward to breaking ground in December and hosting a race in 2012," a spokesman said. "We are working hand-in-hand with the FIA. We plan to deliver final plans in the next couple of months."

The $200 million track complex is likely to be one of the biggest construction projects in the region, involving as many as 2,000 workers at various stages.

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