Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has agreed to a deal with energy drinks tycoon Dietrich Mateschitz for a grand prix at the renovated and relaunched Red Bull Ring in 2014.
The energy drink company, headed by Austrian billionaire and Formula 1 team owner Mateschitz, stunned the F1 world with the news that was delivered via a brief statement early on Tuesday.
Austria last hosted a grand prix, held at the same Spielberg circuit then known as the A1-Ring, in 2003.
“Dietrich Mateschitz and Bernie Ecclestone have reached an agreement to the effect that F1 will return to Styria next year,” Tuesday’s statement read.
However, subsequent media reports, including by the German news agencies SID and DPA, clarified that the race will in fact only take place on July 6 next year if “all necessary regulatory approvals” are given. (GMM)
Subbed by AJN.
