Ecclestone dampens hopes of Las Vegas F1 race

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone admits to “struggling a little bit” to have the sport return to Las Vegas in the near future.

Sin City already welcomed Formula One at the end of the 1981 and 1982 seasons, with the Caesar's Palace Grand Prix serving as the title showdown on both occasions. Teams and drivers were not overly enthusiastic about the venue, which was laid out on the parking lot of the world-famous luxury and casino.

Ecclestone has always been willing to have more races in the US, and this despite Austin barely making it to the calendar this and recent plans of a New York event quickly fizzling out. The 85-year-old previously said the Vegas organisers had a contract but “the trouble is the pen”.

Speaking to reporters at the Russian Grand Prix, Ecclestone admitted little progress had been made on that matter.

"We are struggling a little bit, yes,” said Ecclestone. "I want to make sure we are on The Strip, so when people turn their television on, they immediately know it is Vegas.”

The F1 boss added that should the Vegal deal fall through, there was no shortage of candidates stateside.

"We missed out a little bit of New York, but lots of places are talking about it.”

Ecclestone said last year he was keen to see a grand prix taking place in Southern California.

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