According to a report issued by the Austin American Statesman, Hellmund thought of Ecclestone's idea as being “brilliant”, as it would enhance wet racing, which at its turn is very “spectacular” to watch. In addition, he argued that wet racing will give the true value of a driver, as it allows “true talent” to shine.
When he initially launched his idea “on the market”, Ecclestone said that there are a number of venues that could have irrigation systems implemented trackside from as early as this year in order to ensure artificial rain during the Sunday race.
In the case of the US GP however, the track is still in its early developing stages, which would make it even easier for Hellmund to ensure the construction and implementation of such a system. More, funds for such a project would not be a problem, as it was recently revealed that $12.5 million have been received by the race organizers by ten private investors in recent time.
Despite the Americans' willingness to go all in on Ecclestone's proposal, artificial rain might very well remain just one of many of the F1 boss' show-boosting ideas for F1, as it would need confirmation from both the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) and the International Automobile Federation (FIA). And since the majority of the F1 paddock don't think much of the prospect, it's unlikely that such a rule will be implemented in the series too soon.
As far as the 2012 US Grand Prix goes, the same publication alleged that the date of the event might be set sometime in the mid-year, in order to be paired with the other North American event in the series, the Canadian Grand Prix.
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