US F1 looks to Paul Ricard for European base

Outside the final turn at Paul Ricard

(GMM) US F1, formula one's new American team for 2010, is reportedly now looking for an alternative European headquarters.

We reported earlier this year that the outfit fronted by British journalist Peter Windsor was hoping to base its European operations at the headquarters of the Spanish Le Mans team Epsilon Euskadi, while the cars are designed and built in North Carolina.

But Epsilon Euskadi subsequently lodged its own application to launch a grand prix team, and although not confirmed on the current 2010 entry list, is on standby should the eight FOTA teams really depart.

The French newspaper Nice Matin reports that US F1 is instead looking to France, and a possible base at the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet.

The newspaper said Windsor is in "advanced negotiations" with Paul Ricard chiefs, like director Gerard Neveu.

Neveu commented: "Their project is very structured and leaves no doubt. They are completely serious."