US Grand Prix F1 drivers to be introduced to crowd by boxing MC legend Michael Buffer – before Usain Bolt starts the race
FORMULA ONE bosses have pulled out all the stops to impress their American public this weekend at the US Grand Prix.
Owners Liberty Media completed their £6billion takeover earlier this year and they will get their first chance to show off their purchase in Austin, Texas, this weekend.
Liberty have drafted in the help of eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt to start Sunday's race.
The drivers will also be introduced to the crowd by boxing MC Michael Buffer, who is famed for his "let's get ready to rumble" catchphrase.
And megastars Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder are performing concerts on Saturday and Sunday nights respectively.
Liberty hope their top-billing will help increase the sport's popularity in the States, where F1 has historically struggled for profile.
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However, one person who will be absent is former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who was forced out by Liberty.
Ecclestone has not attended a race since the Austrian GP, says his replacement at Liberty, Chase Carey, does not want him to attend races.
He said: "Chase sent a message to one of the girls in the office to tell me that they haven't got so many offices at the circuits - only what the race promoter gives them.
"There are three of them (Carey, commercial director Sean Bratches and technical director Ross Brawn) so the three offices are being used. So basically they don't want me to come to races.
"It would have been just as easy to have said that to me. Anyway, I have obliged them."
Meanwhile, Mercedes are refusing to let up, despite closing in on both the constructors' and drivers' titles.
Merc's head of motorsport, Toto Wolff, said: "There are still four races to go and 100 points to score, so we can take nothing for granted.
"Since we began the final flyaway leg of the season, we have seen a strong points swing in our favour in both championships.
"Good fortune has played its part, of course - and we have put ourselves in the right position to make the most of the opportunities that have come our way.
"But nobody within the team is allowing those good results to disguise the challenges we have faced."
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