United States Grand Prix to remain in Austin

The United States Grand Prix will remain on the Formula One calendar this year after it was confirmed that the race will be staged at the Circuit of The Americas in October.

There were concerns that there would be no US Grand Prix in 2016 after it emerged last year that stated funding for the extravaganza in Austin would be cut.

However, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said he was confident the race would be staged in Texas once again.

And race organisers confirmed on Wednesday that award-winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift will perform on a weekend in which world champion Lewis Hamilton eyes a third successive US Grand Prix victory – and a fourth in five years.

Bobby Epstein, chairman and chief executive of Circuit of The Americas, said: “We are so happy to confirm F1’s return to COTA as well as Taylor Swift’s headline performance.

“We can’t think of a better way to mark this important five-year milestone for F1 in Austin.

“Since we first hosted this event in 2012, we have gained a lot of knowledge and insight that has allowed us to make significant annual improvements to the event that we are confident will continue to establish the Formula One United States Grand Prix as the stand-out race weekend on F1’s calendar.

“By combining the excitement of Formula 1, the fun of the festival, and a full concert by Taylor Swift, we ensure fans can enjoy the greatest sports and entertainment event of the year.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Texas and the Circuit of The Americas, for what promises to be an amazing weekend.”

The US Grand Prix will be staged from October 21-23.