AUSTIN (AP)  Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says the U.S. Grand Prix could be removed from the 2012 calendar because construction of the Texas race track was halted.

Ecclestone said Wednesday that a contract dispute with organizers must be settled by Dec. 7, when the 2012 calendar is officially ratified, for the race to go ahead.

Construction of the track in Austin was stopped Tuesday, with organizers saying the work will not resume until they have a contract from Formula One to stage the race next year.

However, Ecclestone says no contract has been issued because the organizers have not provided the proper letter of credit.

Asked if the race could be dropped unless the situation is resolved before the schedule is ratified in New Delhi on Dec. 7, Ecclestone said: “It will be, for sure, 100 percent.”

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