Argentina to get F1 track

Argentina, which last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 1998, could be back on the calendar from 2014 when a new track near Buenos Aires is completed.

A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place at the 2.9-mile Velociudad Speedcity circuit in Zarate, 60 miles from the capital, which designers Populous said will be capable of returning F1 to the South American country.

“The plan is for a circuit capable of delivering a Formula One event,” John Rhodes, associate principal of Populous, said.

“The key is to offer a category-one circuit,” he said when asked what the prospects were of Argentina, homeland of the late, great Juan Manuel Fangio, staging a F1 race again.

“Once the facility is there, then it’s down to a promoter. The issue is to have a high-performance circuit capable of holding a MotoGP then add the necessary requirements for a Formula One race.

“The main circuit will be good for F1 and endurance races like Le Mans, it’s a good, sensible length.”

The £65 million project will be completed in two phases and will include South America’s first driver trainer centre and academy.

The first phase, a shorter track, 4x4 off-road circuit and team garages, is scheduled to be completed in 14 months.

The second phase will extend the track to its full length, making it eligible for a license from the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which governs motorsport.

South America’s only active F1 track is Interlagos in Brazil, which hosted the final race of the 2011 season last month. Michael Schumacher won the last F1 race to be held in Argentina at the Autodromo Oscar Alfredo Galvez on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Populous was also responsible for the recent re-design of British Grand Prix venue Silverstone and is also involved in designing a new F1 track in Mumbai. The firm also planned the London 2012 Olympics Stadium and the Soccer City stadium which hosted last year’s World Cup final in South Africa.