Miami residents poised to oppose Grand Prix

Liberty Media have put a proposal together for a Grand Prix to take place in the streets of Miami, but the plans could be scuppered by The Biscayne Neighborhoods Association, a group of residents, who are prepared to reject the proposal if they cannot see clear benefits to them and the city.

The American owners of the sport, Liberty, are looking to expand their presence in the United States and add another GP to the calendar in addition to the race in Austin, Texas.

Miami is the front-runner at the moment, even though concerns have been raised about issues such as cost and the fact that race would take place during hurricane season.

One major speed bump for the proposal is the BNA, who are poised to raise their concerns.

"We are now waiting for the contract that the City Manager will present to the City Commission, but if we don't have a clear understanding of the benefits that the race will bring to the City of Miami, we will consider opposing the City Commission approving the contract," said Andres Althabe, president of the BNA, told Forbes.

READ MORE: Three reasons why a Miami GP would be a disaster

"We have been disappointed on the follow through. There was only one conference call after that and it was not with any representative of F1 but it was with a representative of the promoter who could not give any new information.

"They committed to have meetings with us regularly before the July 1st date when the City Manager will present a negotiated contract to the City Commission for approval. The meetings would be also to discuss the economic benefits to the City that were very unclear."

Melanie Dawn, a resident of Miami who attended the BNA meetings, says the city is expected to contribute significant funds to the preparations and running costs.

"The City of Miami will be expected to contribute funds for security, waste disposal, track preparation and other expenses," Dawn claims the BNA were told.

"Apparently, our contribution to these costs will be capped, but we were not told what that cap will be, nor whether the county or other Miami municipalities (like Miami Beach) will be sharing the costs since they will be sharing the benefits."