NOVEMBER 16, 2004

Oh deer! A problem at the A1 Ring

There are reports from Austria that Red Bull's masterplan for the A1 Ring may not be running smoothly as first reports would suggest. Building permits have been granted and old buildings have been demolished and there has been considerable levelling work. The governments involved have even paid the money promised. The route of the circuit is almost visible. To get everything done in time for 2006 it was necessary to have this work finished by the winter. However we hear that the Arbesser Rastburg family, which owns a property next to the track, has raised a question about the building works, worried that the constant noise of the new facility will disturb the local wildlife, notably the deer. As a result of this the permits granted are reportedly frozen until the question is resolved. This may take two months by which time the ground will probably be frozen and the project could fall behind schedule.

The Arbesser Rastburg family has been the dominant local family since the 19th century. They are influential in political circles thanks to Maximilian Arbesser Rastburg, who is an economist and industrialist and a leading player amongst Austrian employers and indeed at European level.