BMW's team boss Mario Theissen was candid in his assessment of the prospects, noting that the location of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wasn't ideal for the sport from a marketing perspective. Other team bosses and manufacturers have also voiced their support for a U.S. race, reports AutoWeek. The hopes for another venue are high as well, with Las Vegas or a coastal location among the top contenders. East and West Coast venues are high in the preference list because those are core markets for several of the manufacturers involved in the championship, including BMW, Mercedes and Ferrari.
The deal for the 2008 U.S. Grand Prix fell through when Eddie George, the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Ecclestone could not reach a financial agreement that was attractive to both parties. The expense of administering an F1 event is notoriously high, and several other events, including the Australian GP are potentially on the list to be cut for the 2009 season, at least in part for reasons of expense in addition to the desire for a night race.
George and others have reportedly not completely given up hope of luring the U.S. Grand Prix back to Indianapolis, however.
Reader Comments
Mon Sep 8 2008 7:30 PM
dcars says
Does the US really need the f1? The Australians like the event so why not keep it their.
Mon Sep 8 2008 9:05 PM
Johnny says
Not everyone in North America likes cars that can only turn left, I say bring it back!
Mon Sep 8 2008 11:00 PM
Kyle Rohde says
The problem is that the tracks best suited for F1 probably don't meet all the high requirements that F1 has. I'm thinking of Road America, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, VIR and Laguna Seca. Sonoma or Sebring might work but I don't really like those tracks. Road America would be the best of all, but there's no way F1 would ever do it.
Tue Sep 9 2008 11:21 AM
dcars says
I used to like F1, but their isn't much passing, no major "US" sponsorship, no US drivers, over priced etc. ....... and to be honest they really don't want to much US involvement. The Daytona prototypes are cool and so is the Petit LeMans. It also appears that the Indy cars are making a come back. I'm planing on going up to Toronto next year for the race through the streets.
Fri Sep 12 2008 9:46 PM
NaBUru38 says
Most American circuits are too short and narrow for formula 1 cars. Road America is by far the longest and fastest, but...
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