Austrian Grand Prix reinstated into F1 calender

Race will be staged at the Red Bull Ring - formerly known as the A1-Ring

Red Bull Ring (GETTY IMAGES)

The Austrian Grand Prix is to return to the Formula One calendar next year.

The news has been confirmed today in a statement issued by Red Bull, the energy drinks company founded by Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz.

The race, which has been given a provisional slot of July 6, is to be staged at the Red Bull Ring, formerly known as the A1-Ring and which last held an F1 race in 2003.

After falling by the wayside, Red Bull stepped in and purchased the 4.3-kilometre, 10-turn track, located in the Styrian mountains, in 2011.

The statement read: "Dietrich Mateschitz and (F1 supremo) Bernie Ecclestone have reached an agreement to the effect that Formula One will return to Styria next year."

With the 2014 calendar also due to include the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi and Grand Prix of America in New Jersey, it opens the way for a record-breaking 22-race schedule.

The World Motor Sport Council are due to announce a provisional calendar following their meeting in September, which will then be ratified in early December.

PA