Miami Grand Prix vote set for next week

Liberty Media could get their wish for a second Formula One race in the United States, with plans to stage a race in Miami next October.

Proposals for a Miami Grand Prix to be added to the Formula One calendar next year could move a step closer to fruition next week.

The City of Miami Commission will meet next Thursday to vote on plans for a multi-year deal, with the first race potentially being staged in October 2019.

After buying out Bernie Ecclestone last year, F1 owners Liberty Media spoke of including a "destination" United States city to join Austin on the schedule, and they may get their wish in downtown Miami.

"Formula One racing has global appeal, and so does the City of Miami. A resolution is going before the Commission next week to direct the City Manager to negotiate a multi-year agreement by July 1st to bring Formula One racing to Miami," the City of Miami director of communications said in a statement released to Omnisport.

"Any agreement would need to go before the Commission for final approval, ahead of an October 2019 race day."

F1 commercial managing director Sean Bratches said: "Earlier today the City of Miami Commission took an important step by adding an item to their upcoming agenda, that if approved, will make way to bring Formula 1 to downtown Miami next season.  

"We appreciate the community's interest in hosting a Formula 1 race and look forward to working with local officials and stakeholders to bring this vision to life.

"With over half a billion fans worldwide, Formula 1 is the greatest racing spectacle on the planet, and Miami's status as one of the world’s most iconic and glamourous cities, combined with its robust tourism infrastructure, makes Miami the perfect destination for Formula 1 and its fans."