F1: Red Bull Ring offered as track for Austrian GP

The window for an extra race scheduled to take place on July 21 can either be filled by Turkey or, according to a BBC report, by the Red Bull track in Austria.

Quoting an Austrian newspaper, the BBC reported that Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has reminded FIA that the Red Bull Ring has a fully updated Formula One license. This after some reports that Turkey may not be able to host the 20th race of the season due to lack of funds. There are however, a number of problems that would have to be solved before a F1 race can be staged in Austria as well, if at all.

Brushing aside concerns over government fundings in the current time of economic slowdown and a general shortage in accommodation, Marko was optimistic about the solutions. "It managed in the 1970s and 1980s. (As for fundings) Let's wait and see, he said adding that the city of Graz at a distance of 50 miles from the track can easily accommodate all.

The report further said that a final decision will have to be made by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, both of whom are friends which could further increase the possibility of the race taking place here.