Miami to vote on F1 road race

(AP):

Formula One (F1) announced yesterday that it wants to stage a street race in Miami starting in 2019, and the city commission has scheduled a vote next week on a proposal to formalise plans for a 10-year deal.

The series has long sought to enlarge its presence in the United States. A Miami race would be the second in the US, joining the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. It would be the fourth in North America, joining races in Canada and Mexico City.

Formula One officials said if approved, the Miami race could be targeted for October 2019, which would place it close to the current calendar spot of the Texas and Mexico City races.

Iconic status

"Miami's status as one of the world's most iconic and glamorous cities, combined with its robust tourism infrastructure, makes Miami the perfect destination for Formula 1 and its fans," said Sean Bratches, F1's managing director for commercial operations.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez called next week's vote "the first step" to working out details, with a final vote more possible over the summer. The city has held good talks with F1 officials about the need to map a downtown race course that would not be too disruptive to neighbourhoods," Suarez said.

"This is an annual Super Bowl of sorts ... They (F1) are very bullish on the prospects of Miami," Suarez said.