F1 to return to North America - Dennis

Dec.17 (GMM) F1 has not turned its back on North America despite the demise of the races at Indianapolis and Montreal, McLaren boss Ron Dennis insists.

"We are really trying hard to find the model that works," he said on a visit with world champion Lewis Hamilton to the American headquarters of the team's long-time sponsor Mobil.

Dennis labelled the continent "a phenomenal market" for F1's carmakers and sponsors, and said the fact that the sport will not visit America in 2009 is temporary.

"We just haven't found a solution yet. That's not to say we're going to give up on it. We definitely expect to be back in North America within the next three years," he said.

"There shouldn't be anybody who feels we are turning our backs on North America."

Dennis suggested that formula one might need to bite the bullet and buy time on mainstream American television in order for the sport to have an impact.

"The real key to America is embracing its sports mechanisms, so we have to own the television signal," he said.