No US Grand Prix solution in sight

[John S]

Teams have pressured Bernie Ecclestone to reinstate a Grand Prix in North America, but no immediate solution is apparent, team boss and co-owner Sir Frank Williams said on Thursday.

Speaking at a pre-season media event at his Toyota-powered team's Oxfordshire headquarters, Williams admitted that there are hurdles to once again tapping into the world's biggest economy.

The first, he said, is Ecclestone's standoff with Indianapolis and the lack of a F1-standard alternative, while other potential venues outside North America knock loudly on the F1 Chief Executive's door.

"We're a little bit full I think for the next few years," said Williams, referring to the growing calendar to boast future hosts including Korea and India. "My private opinion is that we are a little bit of a way off yet but Bernie is brilliant at surprises," he added. 
 
Martin Whitmarsh, set to take over from Ron Dennis as McLaren Team Principal as of Sunday, this week echoed Williams' comments and pointed out that the subject has been discussed by the commercial arm of the FOTA alliance headed by Renault's Flavio Briatore.

Stressing all the teams, manufacturers and sponsors' desire to reinstate an American race, the Briton added: "I know that both the FIA and FOM are supportive of that collective wish."

Source: GMM
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