Problems for Mexican GP bid

It was announced last October that a contract had been agreed for the Mexican Grand Prix to take place at a purpose-built $80 million facility in Cancun from 2006 to 2010. F1 circuit specialist Hermann Tilke had been recruited to design the track.

Work has not yet started on the track site however, as legal disputes between the present landowners and the local authorities have yet to be resolved. The AFP news agency reported today that the grand prix would have to be postponed if a solution was not found soon.

"We have a 15 day deadline," said Dario Flota Ocampo, secretary of state for tourism in the province. "If we do not manage to have the grounds by this date, the grand prix in 2006 will not be able to be held here because we will not have time."

F1 last came to Mexico in 1992, when Nigel Mansell won at the Mexico City venue now used by the Champ Car World Series. In the interim period the success of Mexican drivers in American racing has resulted in an enormous upsurge in local interest in motorsport, which the return of grand prix racing would further heighten. Leading Mexican Champ Car driver Mario Dominguez had been working to secure an F1 drive with the new Midland team in time for the anticipated race in his homeland.