Flavio: Formula One must be in North America

Renault Formula One boss Flavio Briatore says that the sport must return to North America after the Canadian Grand Prix dropped off the 2009 calendar. With Indianapolis also missing after the last event in 2007, Bernie Ecclestone is looking for an alternative venue.

Flavio (C) runs the Renault F1 team. Renault does not sell cars in the USA so Renault itself could probably give a hoot whether there is a race in the USA unless they decide to return to the market

"This is something we want to have, but in the right way," Briatore said Monday. "We had the experience of Indianapolis, and things weren't great. I know Bernie was working hard on this issue, but as well, it's not so easy. Negotiating for a race, especially in America . . .. The people in America think that the most important thing is the show.

"Our show is not fantastic in this moment. I hope it's improving. Bernie knows we want to have a race in North America, and I'm sure he's concentrated and focused for that. In fact, it needs to happen in the right moment and in the right town."

The Italian had a clear suggestion as to where the USGP should be held.

"Las Vegas," he said. "Indianapolis, it was only racing people there, there was no exposure at all. No newspapers were talking about F1 in America. We need to have television, we need to have the right town."