Ecclestone in GP warning

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has again warned the Grand Prix of America is under threat.

Just under four months ago Ecclestone raised doubts as to whether the race in New Jersey, with the Manhattan skyline serving as a backdrop, would take place.

Ecclestone stated then the organisers were late with payments and were attempting to resolve issues internally regarding funds.

A further complication arose in August when Tom Cotter, serving as president of the race organisers, resigned from a post he had only occupied for a few months.

Last week, with the release of the 2013 provisional calendar, the GP of America was handed a date of June 16, a week on from the event in Canada, but asterisked as it remains subject to confirmation.

With the calendar due to be finalised at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on Friday, at this stage the race is poised to be axed.

Ecclestone said: "The organisers have not complied with the terms and conditions of the contract, which is now gone anyway. They don't have a contract."

The door is, however, still ajar for promoter Leo Hindery Jr ahead of the WMSC meeting, but the clock is ticking.

Speaking to The Guardian, Ecclestone added: "We are pretty close to the final deadline. We have a world council meeting coming up.

"I think if somebody got behind them it could happen in 2013 because they have come a long way with the circuit."

When contacted by Press Association Sport, officials from the GP of America were unable to comment.