Mexican Grand Prix set for 2014 Formula 1 calendar slot
Mexico is poised to make a surprise return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014, after high level sources revealed that it is to be awarded a provisional slot in next year's schedule
Although teams have not yet been given a draft calendar, AUTOSPORT understands that Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is intending to pencil in a race in Mexico City.
Sources suggest that the race, which is likely to take place as a back-to-back with Austin, is most likely to be given a provisional slot pending the completion of a commercial contract and work on the Mexico City track.
With recent plans for a race in Cancun having been dropped, Tavo Hellmund, who most recently spearheaded the United States Grand Prix at Austin, is leading efforts on the return of the Mexican GP at Mexico City.
He has been working in conjunction with Mexican businessman Alejandro Soberon. Carlos Slim Domit, who sits on the FIA Senate, is also part of the project team.
Sources with good knowledge of the situation are adamant that the Mexico City track, which last hosted a race in 1992 (pictured), can be readied in time for a return in 2014.
Speaking earlier this year, Slim said that Mexico was closing in on an F1 return.
"I believe there is potential to do more races in the Americas and I believe that Mexico is in the right spot to do it," said Slim in an interview with AUTO, the journal of the FIA.
"It's a stable country by and large, our economy is doing quite well and we have drivers people can identify with.
"All of the pieces are coming together and I believe the potential promoters are doing a good job in trying to secure something."
Mexico's addition to the calendar comes with Austria also returning, and Russia hosting its first race.
India will be dropped, while there are also doubts about Korea and New Jersey.
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