The Speed cable channel will end its 17-year relationship with Formula One after this season, The Associated Press has learned.

Two people familiar with the negotiations said F1 was in talks with NBC for U.S. broadcast rights, and the contract would not be renewed with Speed. The people spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.

They couldn’t be more different, these two tracks that are bringing Formula 1 racing back to the United States. The 3.4-mile Circuit of the Americas [shown], under construction outside Austin, Texas, is carved into rolling hills previously occupied by scrubby mesquite trees and big rattlesnakes. It is set to host its inaugural Grand Prix in November. If all goes according to plan, next year’s Formula 1 schedule could add a second U.S. stop. The Port Imperial Street Circuit winds along existing commercial and residential streets in New Jersey, including the Port Imperial ferry terminal and West New York. Most of the track includes a clear view of a background that Bernie Ecclestone, the 81-year-old head of Formula 1, has been craving for decades: the Manhattan skyline.

Despite all their contrasts, one thing binds these two tracks together: Tilke Engineers & Architects, a German company helmed by Hermann Tilke, 57. Circuits designed by the 350-employee firm account for more than half of the F1 schedule, and both the Texas and New Jersey tracks bear the Tilke stamp. But you’d be mistaken in thinking that brilliant design and unparalleled popularity have driven Tilke’s omnipotence. Tom Cotter, president of the New *Jersey Grand Prix, says Tilke’s company is the go-to outfit because it “knows all the design and construction details of what it takes to host a Formula 1 race.” Those details, however, allow for very little deviation, and Tilke and company find themselves in the crosshairs of a global group of critics.

...and Tilke and company find themselves in the crosshairs of a global group of critics.

The circuit is in a place called Yeongam which, judging by the location, means 'Reclaimed Land We Don't Know What To Do With'. Someone did a very good sales job to persuade those responsible to build a race track on which Mr. Ecclestone would let his F1 cars loose and charge several million dollars for the privilege.
The track itself is actually pretty good. The shame is that this is the Korean equivalent of Bahrain with a purpose-built circuit that appears to have no purpose as it disappears into the empty distance and comes back to the pit straight. There are supposed to be hotels, harbours and houses but, the last time I looked 12 months ago, someone had forgotten to build them. Either that or they had lost the key to the main gate and the lads from Wimpey Construction (South Korea) Ltd could not gain access.

This is closer to the truth than you might think. The teams' advance parties arrived to set up the garages and do the unpacking only to find, once the gates had been opened, what looked like a holiday camp that had been closed for the winter. Or abandoned, more like. Tufts of grass and weeds sprouted in the paddock, an infinitely more agreeable sight than kitchens containing left-overs from race day lunch in 2010.

The track itself looked fine but you will notice how the camera angles remain tight to avoid showing the desolation beyond the concrete walls. Korea may be without a racing heritage through no fault of its own but, judging by the wastes of Yeongam last year, it appeared disinteresting in creating one.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton has conceded his world championship hopes are over after finishing 10th in the Korean GP.

Hamilton dropped down the field following a rear suspension failure - his second in as many races - and is now 63 points off the lead with only 100 still available.

"In terms of winning, I think that's it for us," Hamilton said.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali revealed on Sunday that the outfit will make an announcement about its driver plans and the future of Felipe Massa imminently.

The Brazilian's place at Ferrari has been the topic of much speculation throughout the season, but after impressive drives in Japan and Korea, it is believed that his future with the Italian team is once again secure.

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo has denied signing Sebastian Vettel, saying that would only create "instability" within the team.

"I feel that they will promote Formula One to a level not seen before in the United States."

NBC will air four races - the Canadian Grand Prix in June, and the final three races of the season in November - while the remaining 16 races will air on NBC Sports Network. All practice and qualifying sessions will also be on the cable station.