• US Grand Prix

Austin funding plans signed off by city council

ESPNF1 Staff
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The 2012 US Grand Prix is back on the right track after the Austin council signed off the Circuit of the Americas' Texan state funding.

Local reports reveal that the council voted 5-2 in favour of the project receiving $25 million annually in state funding for the next decade, after a lengthily debate in the council chamber. One issue that was flagged during the proceedings was that the race's provisional debut date will mean it is likely to be held in Texas' scorching summer heat.

"Mr Ecclestone has most of the say for when these races are scheduled," said project attorney Richard Suttle, according to the Austin American Statesman.

Circuit president Steve Sexton added: "If you ask my personal preference, I would prefer it be in the fall."

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