Argentina is negotiating with Formula One's owner Liberty Media to revive the Argentinian Grand Prix in 2019, ending a 20-year hiatus. Arturo Rubinstein, president of investment firm Blue Capital, confirmed talks are underway to become the promoter of the race at the Autódromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez in Buenos Aires.
The circuit, which hosted 20 F1 races between 1953 and 1998, requires upgrades estimated at $30 million. Rubinstein says the Buenos Aires city government has committed to funding the work, which could be completed within six months. He hopes to join the calendar early next year, back-to-back with Australia, or alternatively in November before Brazil.
The revival has been in discussion since 2013, with support from former Lotus F1 deputy team boss Federico Gastaldi. Rubinstein noted that the political and economic climate under President Mauricio Macri, a former Boca Juniors president, is now favourable. The Argentine Automotive Club and several companies have also expressed backing.
F1's race director Charlie Whiting inspected the track in August and was reportedly impressed. The circuit is still used for domestic series like TC2000 and Formula 4. Argentina was priced out of F1 in the late 1990s as emerging markets drove up hosting fees, but Liberty Media's desire to expand the calendar and embrace heritage has reopened the door.
