American drivers linked with new USF1 team

Feb.24 (GMM) With the new prospective American team USF1 set to be announced officially on Tuesday, attention is already turning to the possible occupants of the Charlotte-built race cockpits in 2010.

Indycar star Danica Patrick has already played down her reported link with the outfit, but other notable American names have also been mentioned in various quarters of the racing world.

AJ Allmendinger's has been another name associated with USF1, but he said he is concentrating on his NASCAR foray even though he views a formula one opportunity as "intriguing".

The motor sport writer for the Toronto Star claims Kyle Busch - also a NASCAR driver - should be "a shoo-in" for a USF1 seat, while the 26-year-old veteran of 28 grands prix Scott Speed has also been linked with Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor's project, as have Conor Daly and Marco Andretti.

Windsor is quoted by Britain's The Independent newspaper as clarifying that no decisions about details including engines and drivers have been made.

"We have yet to speak to any drivers, but we are looking at every American with the right credentials, and Danica is definitely on the list," he said.

Patrick, however, insists that she might not even be interested in accepting a test.

"I don't want to lead anyone on, for sure. It's a costly thing to go testing, that's for sure, and there would be a big time commitment to making a seat and doing all that stuff," she told the Associated Press.

"Time is very valuable and I have very little of it, so unless I was really serious about it, I don't think I would go down that road.

"I am happy where I am. It would take a bit to make that change for me," she said.