Ecclestone extends contract deadline for US GP

Bernie Ecclestone has extended the deadline for organisers of the 2012 US grand prix to rescue their Austin event.

The news, reported by the American news agency AP, came as the F1 chief executive’s original Wednesday deadline came and went.

"We are still trying to make it (the race) happen," the 81-year-old is quoted as saying. "They need to get some money and a pen ... as soon as possible."

The new deadline is next Wednesday’s meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.

"If it isn’t all signed before (then), it can’t happen," said Ecclestone.

Although New York will be added to the 2013 schedule, the extended deadline for Texas also follows the urging of FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh, who said F1 "needs to go to America".

"Bernie will meet the Austin people in the coming days, and I hope they get their act together," the McLaren boss is quoted by France’s L’Equipe.

"If we are not there, it will hurt us all," insisted Whitmarsh.