Google+ Jack Leslie F1: Austrian Grand Prix could return to the F1 calendar

23 July 2013

Austrian Grand Prix could return to the F1 calendar

Formula 1 has not raced on the Österreichring since the 2003 season but the sport could be set for a return to Austria next year.
(c) F1 Rejects
The classic track - that winds its way through the Austrian hillside - could re-join the calendar and boost the number of races on the 2014 calendar to 22 - thanks to the addition of the Russian and New Jersey Grand Prix's.

The formerly named 'A1 Ring' is now under the ownership of Red Bull and currently runs under the name of the "Red Bull Ring." 

Austrian media reports that a deal has been agreed between Dietrich Mateschitz and Bernie Ecclestone that will see the race return next season. 

An article in Austrian publication Kurier reads: "Dietrich Mateschitz and Bernie Ecclestone have reached an agreement to the effect that Formula 1 is already coming back to Styria next year."

The Austrian Grand Prix debuted on the F1 calendar in 1964 before hosting the race between 1970 and 1987. There was then a 10 year break from the race due to the track failing FIA standards before it resumed in 1997 on a refurbished and re-designed A1 Ring.

Michael Schumacher won the last Austrian Grand Prix after leading from start to finish. Raikkonen finished second with Barrichello in third. 12 months earlier Schumacher won the race in controversial style after leader Barrichello was ordered to slow on the run to the chequered flag and gift the German with the win.

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