Ecclestone hopes Austin stays on calendar

Bernie Ecclestone has not yet given up on the future of the US grand prix in Austin.

Late last year, a dark cloud moved over the popular race when the governor of Texas dramatically slashed funding from $25 million a year to less than $20m.

"To use a technical term," promoter Bobby Epstein said at the time, "I think we’re screwed."

But Ecclestone told Time Inc’s website The Drive: "We have a contract with them, with COTA. They do a good job and I hope it will continue."

The Circuit of the Americas’ October date on the 2016 F1 calendar is listed as "subject to confirmation".