Imminent announcement of a Grand Prix near New York starting in 2013?

If you ask drivers where they would like their Formula One cars to compete, the United States usually takes pole position. For instance, if Mark Webber dreams of seeing F1 cars in the streets of San Francisco, if Jarno Trulli would like to be closer to his home in Miami, or if Timo Glock dreams of a Grand Prix in the streets of Los Angeles, the names of Las Vegas and New York are most mentioned by drivers. For Sebastian Vettel, for example, it would be very clear and 100%: New York. There have been rumors lately and I think it would be the ultimate city to host a Grand Prix. Everyone knows New York and it would be great to participate in such a race. The paddock in Central Park! Racing along Fifth Avenue, heading towards Washington Square. Manhattan isn’t that big, so we could have a circuit passing by all the noteworthy spots. Fabulous! Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, Nick Heidfeld, and Paul di Resta share this same dream, which could indeed become a reality by 2013.

Indeed, the Wall Street Journal reports that a press conference has been scheduled for Tuesday at the Weehawken Port Imperial, where an announcement regarding the organization of a race could take place as early as June 2013, in the state of New Jersey, neighboring Manhattan. However, this is not the first time a Grand Prix project near New York has been mentioned: barely a year ago, there was a project for a race in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, a project that was aborted due to a lack of popular support and from local authorities who believed that the park, near the Statue of Liberty, was not suitable for hosting a car race.

Last August, Richard Turner and Felix Roque, mayors of Weehawken and West New York respectively, expressed in a joint statement their intentions to be candidates for hosting a Formula One Grand Prix: « In these times of economic uncertainty, when every source of revenue – direct or indirect – is vital, having our own Formula One race could be a very positive boost. That said, we must ensure that the financial benefits that result are fairly shared and that the taxpayer is not solicited. »

Unlike the Jersey City project, the bid from Weehawken and West New York has the support of local authorities, generates enthusiasm from the New Jersey governor, and is backed by a group of investors led by Leo Hindery Jr, former CEO of YES Network.

Specifically, this race could take place on the west bank of the Hudson River with the Manhattan skyscrapers in the background. The United States could thus host two Grand Prix events again, starting in 2013, with this New Jersey Grand Prix held in June as part of the North American tour, and the United States Grand Prix, organized in Austin, at the end of the season.