No return to Indy for USGP

UPDATE #2 There are discussions going on with the aim of taking Formula 1 to a purpose-built racing circuit near Palm Springs. The appearance, albeit fleeting, of Chris Pook in the paddock at Monza set tongues wagging. Pook was the man who created the Long Beach Grand Prix back in the 1970s and went on to ran CART between 2001 and 2003. He then retired to Palm Springs but has remained close to Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. The United States Grand Prix is a name that is now believed to be owned by Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but that does not mean that we could not see a Californian Grand Prix in the future. Grandprix.com

09/09/08 (GMM) A return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway reportedly does not figure highly on formula one officials' list of priorities.

Team bosses and Bernie Ecclestone got together at Spa-Francorchamps to discuss reinstating a US grand prix, after Indianapolis dropped off the calendar following last year's race.

2010 was reportedly earmarked as the most realistic return date, with all parties keen to explore the idea of another venue.

Indeed, when asked by the local Indy Star newspaper about the latest reports, Indianapolis Motor Speedway boss Tony George said he has not spoken with Ecclestone about 2010.

Autoweek quotes Speedway spokesman Fred Nation as responding to suggestions that Bernie and F1 teams would prefer a race on the east or west coasts: "Good luck."

Asked the same question, George added: "I assume I know what they want."

He explained that talks to revive the US grand prix for next year "broke off during the summer".

09/09/08 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, "A race on the east or west coast."

In our opinion the only viable alternative is Long Beach, which was an F1 race in the late 70s and early 80s until CART/Champ Car took over when Bernie Ecclestone's asking price became too high. As a circuit Long Beach is far better than, say Monaco, where passing is near impossible. At least drivers can pass at Long Beach. They would have to lengthen the circuit slightly to meet the minimum F1 requirement of 2.02-miles. Long Beach is currently 1.97-miles in length.

Long Beach would require construction of some sort of temporary garage facilities for the teams to operate out of. With Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerald Forsythe owning the Long Beach event, we're not so sure they would be keen on helping Bernie Ecclestone with anything, plus how would a 2nd race in Long Beach affect the IndyCar event ticket sales?