Despite formula one looking unlikely to organise a US grand prix in 2009, officials of the Indianapolis venue are hoping the sport returns in the near future. F1's provisional calendar for 2009, presented to the FIA World Motor Sport Council on Wednesday by Bernie Ecclestone, did not feature a date for an American round, for the second consecutive year.

"Discussions will continue," Indianapolis Motor Speedway spokesman Ron Green said, according to The Associated Press.

"We believe a return of formula one to our calendar, especially during our centennial era, the period between 2009-2011, would be appropriate. But it must be on terms reasonable to all the groups."

Green said of the draft 2009 calendar published by the FIA on Wednesday: "We want to stress it's just a provisional schedule.

"We continue to be interested in the return of the United States grand prix."

The US GP was held at the famous Indianapolis venue between 2000 and 2007.