Red Bull Ring can host 2013 race - Marko

Dec.10 (GMM) The chances Austria could return to the F1 calendar in 2013 are rising.

With the Turkish government ruling out state support for Istanbul Park's return, the former A1-Ring - now called the 'Red Bull Ring' - has emerged as the favourite to fill the reserved twentieth spot on next year's calendar.

The energy drink company's motor racing chief Dr Helmut Marko told Speed Week: "We have made the FIA aware that we have a track with a full F1 license."

As for who will pay the bill, the Austrian answered: "There is the province of Styria, and the republic of Austria."

Another stumbling block could be a lack of accommodation in the Spielberg area, but Marko insisted: "Nonsense, there was enough in the 70s and 80s."

And he said Graz, Austria's second largest city after Vienna, is not far away.

The A1-Ring, totally refurbished since then, hosted F1 until 2003.

But what about the difficulties or organising a Grand Prix at such short notice?: "No problem," said Marko.

And the small media centre?: "It can be expanded," he promised.

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