» Mexico pushes for 2014 F1 return

Mexico’s push for a return to the F1 stage continues to gather momentum, with the country’s motorsport officials signing off on planned renovation works to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, meaning it could be ready to host a round of the Formula 1 World Championship by as early as 2014.

The Mexico City venue played host to the Mexican Grand Prix between 1963-70 and 1986-92. Its high-altitude location presented a huge test for driver and machine, while its bumpy surface and questionable safety standards made it a talking point for the wrong reasons up and down the paddock.

That could all be about to change, with officials – including Mexico’s branch of the FIA – signing off on a $20 million works package to bring the circuit up to the standards required for it to host a Grand Prix. A further $30 million has been set aside to cover the race promotion sanctioning fees.

“We have plans ready to improve the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit and, after these changes are finished, Formula 1 can return in 2014,” José Abed, a Vice President of governing body the FIA, confirmed in a media statement.

Mexico will have two of its countrymen on the F1 stage in the upcoming season, with McLaren driver Sergio Pérez and Sauber’s Esteban Gutiérrez taking to the track.

Additionally, the advent of another race in the North and Latin American regions will be another stepping stone in the sport’s bid to gain more of a foothold in the United States, with any Mexico race set to occur in a timezone more suited to US-based TV audiences.