Ecclestone doubts Miami GP deal

Former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that he sought the prospect of holding a Grand Prix race in the city of Miami in the past only for the logistics to hamper his efforts, and so reckons the current plans for the race might not happen too.

Liberty Media, an American organisation and the current owners of the sport, are keen to expand the popularity of F1 in the United States and have proposed a Miami Grand Prix which would be in addition to the Austin GP which is already in the calendar for 2018.

Ecclestone, however, reckons street races present significant difficulties in planning and execution.

"We looked bloody hard at getting a race in Miami in my time, and we encountered various obstacles," he told the MailOnline.

"These guys might manage to get the deal done, but it will be tough. It is not just about money, but about other issues.

"Street races are always hard work."

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One obstacle which is emerging to the GP actually happening is the Biscayne Neighbourhoods Association, a group of resident who have raised concerns with a number of potential issues, including noise pollution, streets being closed, and the overall disruption to the city that hosting a F1 GP would bring.

The president of the BNA claims that they are awaiting sight of the proposal before deciding whether or not to formally oppose the plans.

"We are now waiting for the contract the City Manager will present to the City Commission," Andres Althabe told Forbes.

"But if we don’t have a clear understanding of the benefits the race will bring to Miami, we will consider opposing the City Commission approving the contract."