Having missed 2008, Formula One is not likely to grace the Brickyard at Indianapolis for the foreseeable future.
The chances of the United States Grand Prix returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the near future appear slim, after it was revealed that there has been no ongoing discussion about the event.
Speaking to the Indianapolis Star during last weekend's IndyCar Series finale at Chicagoland Speedway, IMS CEO Tony George confirmed that there had been no contact with Bernie Ecclestone or anyone else at Formula One Management regarding the race since talks broke off earlier in the summer.
"I assume I know what they want," George said on Sunday, as the F1 circus geared up for its five-race run-in to the end of the season without having been to America.
This season was the first in which the USGP did not run since returning to Indianapolis' famed 'Brickyard' in 2000, and rumours suggest that the future of the event may lie away from the venue, despite the obvious attractions of running there. While crowds have not been bad, there is apparent pressure to switch the event to either Florida, California or New York although, with the possible exception of Laguna Seca - which would need a substantial upgrade - few venues spring to mind as viable.
The manufacturers and sponsors involved in the sport still see the USA as an important market, however, so a return is expected in the next couple of years. With Formula One's current penchant for street circuits - witness the addition of Valencia, Singapore and, to some extent, Abu Dhabi to the 2008-09 schedules - what price a layout being devised around NYC's various landmarks or, in Singapore style, on the Miami waterfront?
Indianapolis, meanwhile, will content itself with the addition of MotoGP to its stable of events, with the first race taking place this coming weekend. The circuit already enjoys visits from NASCAR - albeit controversially in 2008 - and the IndyCar Series, which looks set to enjoy a healthier time following this season's unification with Champ Car.
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Unfortunately Laguna Seca is not set up for an F1 race, but it would be great. Lots of elevation changes. Just imagine Hamilton overtaking Kime down the corkscrew. For those of you who don't know what the corkscrew is, check out the highlight footage from the 2008 Laguna Seca MotoGP. The Rossi Stoner passing on the corkscrew was EPIC.
I say Laguna Seca would be brilliant!
Honestly I'm here in flroida and I dont see how they can really do a race here. The amount of work required to stage a race in Maimi will be mind boggling.. The only real street venue in Florida is St Petersburg ( I am 40 minutes away) but even that has limited capacity for viewing.
There are always dedicated circuits like Sebring, but it really is in the middle of nowhere... Basically the race goes to the highest bidder and that WILL NOT be the US... there has to be some emerging market willing to take the slot... how many f1 races do we want a year? one every week at this rate...
In the states there are plenty of processions up and down main street without having to pay silly money to watch a race where the results are settled by the stewards even before the race is over ..... Good on ya America, NASCAR is at least competetive.
To be honest, I can see why they aren't bothered.
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