Miami GP negotiations delayed

Liberty Media's plans to hold a Grand Prix in Miami have hit another speedbump as negotiations between Formula One and the city administrators have been delayed from the originally scheduled July meeting until after August, as Miami residents continue their opposition to the proposal.

It is the intention of the owners of the sport to expand the popularity of F1 in the United States by holding another race there along with the currently scheduled Austin GP in Texas.

The talks have been hindered by residents of Miami who have raised concerns about the disruption such an event would cause, and it would seem more time has been allowed for their voices to be heard.

“We want to make sure we do this right,” City Manager Emilio Gonzalez said on Wednesday as to a potential reason for the delay. “It’s a big event.”

The original proposal for the GP saw the track run from Biscayne Boulevard over to PortMiami and back. The new plan sent to the Miami Herald sees the track border Bayfront Park and up Biscayne Boulevard.

In response to residents' concerns, Miami officials have claimed that the disrpution will be minimal, but some of them are not convinced.

“The response [the city] always gives is, ‘we’re going to always fix it and return it to where the city likes it again,’” said Biscayne resident, Ken Schwart.

“Why do we want to live through months of inconvenience to just get back to where we were? It’s crazy.”

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As well as road disrpution, noise pollution, and emergency services routes being disturbed, the cost has also concerned the people of Miami. The city is likely to ask the state of Florida for funding, as detailed in a legislation given by commissioner, Joe Carollo.

“The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix race will bring thousands of race fans to South Florida, which, for international tourists, can easily become part of a much larger visit to the rest of Florida and its great attractions,” the proposal states.

“The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix can only help to enhance the international destination status of the State of Florida as a whole through participation in this global event.”