Any hopes of Dietrich Mateschitz' newly purchased Red Bull Racing team's cars taking part in a World Championship Grand Prix on the Austrian's own circuit, the A1-Ring, appear to have been dashed.

Plans for a massive redevelopment of the site, which would have seen the circuit brought into the 21 Century, with the addition of a hotel, museum and ultra-modern facilities have been killed off by local citizens who objected to the circuit and its redevelopment.

"The project is finished for us," Mateschitz told the Austrian media. "We were asked to do something. This has now been rejected. We do not need a race track where no cars can race."

It's understood that local were worried by the noise and pollution, a complaint that has affected many circuits over the years, despite the fact that many circuits, such as Monza, were there before the 'locals' moved in.

The A1-Ring, formerly known as the Osterreichring, was used between 1969 and 1987, replacing Zeltweg. Then, in 1997, following a name change and a major re-vamp - including shortening - it was re-introduced to the calendar, hosting seven more World Championship Grands Prix, until Bernie Ecclestone dropped it from the calendar.