Austria back on the schedule for 2014!

Hampus Andersson · Jul 23, 2013

Great news!

The Austrian Grand Prix will return to Formula 1 in 2014 after an 11 year absence, it has been announced.
The event will be held at the Red Bull Ring, with a provisional date of July 6th.
“Dietrich Mateschitz [owner of Red Bull] and Bernie Ecclestone have reached agreement to the effect that Formula 1 will come back to Styria next year,” read a report in the Austrian press.
Red Bull bought the circuit and renovated it after it fell into disrepair following the final Grand Prix at the A1-Ring in 2003.
It reopened in 2011 and has since hosted rounds of the DTM championship, as well as the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel also demonstrated his championship winning Red Bull RB8 machine at the circuit last December.
The Red Bull Ring was one of the venues linked to the aborted twentieth race for 2013.
The return of the circuit will need official approval from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council before the event is included on the final 2014 calendar.

http://www.f1zone.net/news/austria-returns-to-f1-calendar-in-2014/19787/

The only problem i see here is that with the easing on testing next year and this being Red Bull´s own official test track i can imagine Ferrari might voice some concerns.
It would be like hosting a GP in Fiorano.

Kennett Ylitalo · Jul 23, 2013

Wouldn't think it being RBR testing ground gives them so much edge. The circuit is conventional in design compared to Fiorano it's been resurfaced AFAIK so there might lie few secrets that gives them one day advantage.

But i'm glad that A1 finally makes its return, i love the circuit. Unlike Hocke, A1 didn't suffer so much when it was redesigned, actually it got a lot better.

Jebus · Jul 23, 2013

Good news this. Been driving rbr last couple of days, great track.

Jax Humanhater · Jul 23, 2013

This Red Bull Ring (formerly the Osterreichring and A1-Ring) is my favourite track.

Kevin Ascher · Jul 23, 2013

Ah, great news!
Finally a really cool, old-school track back in the calendar.
Can't see this floating, wide Tilke stuff anymore

Dmitry Zaharov · Jul 23, 2013

Watched FR3.5 race in RB Ring recently. Good news, this track is awesome!

Ho3n3r · Jul 23, 2013

Oh yes! One of my favorites

Matej Lakota · Jul 23, 2013

Watched DTM there two years ago, Euro Trucks last month and I will most probably visit Spielberg again in August for ADAC GT Masters ... and next year comes F1. Good, I will be there

!

Paul M Jones · Jul 23, 2013

Dewald Nel said:
Oh yes! One of my favorites

Mine too!

Can't beat the A1 Ring.

Omer Said · Jul 23, 2013

Fantastic news. Expecting a first turn chaos made by crazy rookies

the_sigman · Jul 23, 2013

Omer Said said:
Fantastic news. Expecting a first turn chaos made by crazy rookies

Most times non-rookies cause the carnage

Calum McLure · Jul 23, 2013

Is this in any sims? Seems popular but never driven it myself

Ho3n3r · Jul 23, 2013

Calum McLure said:
Is this in any sims? Seems popular but never driven it myself

Grand Prix 4 had by far the best version I've driven, especially with the game's original cars.

Bradley Vanian · Jul 23, 2013

There is a newly modded version in rFactor but that's it.

Eric Parker · Jul 24, 2013

I will believe it when I see the official schedule for next year.

David Jundt · Jul 24, 2013

Paul M Jones said:
Mine too!

Can't beat the A1 Ring.

A1(Telecommunication) has long gone as sponsor of the track

But the same goes for the Loews Hairpin at Monaco, but I refuse to call it *Grand Hotel Hairpin" or whatever it is called. Why?

Because it sounds dumb.

Paul M Jones · Jul 24, 2013

David Jundt said:
A1(Telecommunication) has long gone as sponsor of the track

But the same goes for the Loews Hairpin at Monaco, but I refuse to call it *Grand Hotel Hairpin" or whatever it is called. Why?

Because it sounds dumb.