F1: Mexico might return to F1 calendar, says Jean Todt

Jean Todt – President of the FIA

Jean Todt, President of the FIA believes that there is a strong possibility of Mexico regaining its lost status as a F1 venue in the near future. The country last hosted a race in 1992 at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City and Todt said that he sees “no reason” to rule out a return to the F1 calendar in future years. He divulged more details stating that there isn’t any set timeframe nor concrete plans to bring back the race at present.

“As part of the meetings I am doing I intend to see the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit,” Europa Pressquoted him as saying during a recent tour of the country. “Today Mexico is an economically strong country and I am convinced that in the future it is possible.”

In the current season, there isn’t a single north American F1 race. However, the city of Austin, Texas, USA will host the US F1 Grand Prix in 2012. At present, there are 20 sanctioned venues to host F1 races. Several new venues have been linked to races in recent months like Cape Town in South Africa and New Jersey in the USA. Austin in the USA and Sochi in Russia are guaranteed places on the packed calendar in coming years, but Todt admitted there are still several obstacles to overcome before a race could be considered in Mexico.

“We know that the races have a cost. There are also a number of criteria for the approval of an event, especially in the safety parameter.”

The podium of 1992 Mexican Grand Prix – Nigel Mansell, Riccardo Patrese and Michael Schumacher.

The Mexican Grand Prix was a regular feature in the F1 calendar during 1963-1970 and 1986-1992 before being discontinued. The Mexican Grand Prix has a lot of history associated with it. Michael Schumacher, a 7-time world champion, got his first Formula 1 podium finish at the 1992 Mexican Grand Prix, when he finished 3rd for Benetton behind Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese. Incidentally, 1992 was the last time that a F1 race was held in Mexico. Michael Schumacher is the only currently active driver that has participated in the Mexican Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez is the only Mexican currently racing in F1, with another Mexican Esteban Gutiérrez serving as a reserve driver in the same team – Sauber. They may enjoy a lot of home support when F1 returns to their country in the future. With Korea joining in 2010, India joining in 2011, and Russia set to join in 2012, F1 surely seems to be going places.