Formula One will not be returning to the United States next
year, after speedway officials failed to reach a new agreement with
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Speedway owner Tony George confirmed the news while leaving the
door open for the sport to return to the fabled 'Brickyard' in the
future.
"After several discussions, Bernie Ecclestone and I were unable to
agree how to keep Formula One in Indianapolis for the near term,"
George said. "However, we have agreed to leave the door open for a
potential future date.
"It has been a pleasure having the United States Grand Prix at
Indianapolis, and I hope that as we approach our Centennial era at
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, an opportunity might present
itself that would allow its return."
Ecclestone has been an opponent of the United States race since
Formula One faced a major backlash after the 2005 race in which
seven teams boycotted the race due to concerns over tyre
safety.
He has repeatedly claimed that Formula One does not need America,
and famously said last year that even Malta has more fans than the
US.
Indianapolis has hosted the American race since 2000 with Michael
Schumacher winning five of the eight races at the track.