Texas to host Formula One

Formula One has sealed its return to the lucrative United States market after a deal was reached for a new purpose-built facility in Texas to stage grands prix from the start of the 2012 season.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone today confirmed an agreement had been signed with US Grand Prix promoters Full Throttle Productions for the city of Austin to stage the race as part of a 10-year deal.

Ecclestone hailed the deal as a major commitment on the part of the Austin authorities, who have pledged to build the first ever dedicated Formula One facility in the country.

"For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event," said Ecclestone.

"It was 30 years ago that the United States Grand Prix was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits.

"Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. This, however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US."