Teams urged to act to get US GP back

The demise of the Canadian Grand Prix this year means that 2009 marks the first time in world championship history that there will be no F1 race in North America.

With the continent so important for all of F1's manufacturers and sponsors, however, teams are keen to ensure that the sport does get back there as soon as possible.

And Whitmarsh believes that rather than teams relying on commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone to sort out a deal, he thinks they should take it upon themselves to help find a solution.

"There's a clear view among FOTA (Formula One Teams' Association) members in the discussions, that we need a Grand Prix in America and we've got to work on how to achieve that," Whitmarsh told autosport.com.

"The view within FOTA is that we've got to look more strategically to how we develop the calendar. We've concentrated on making sure we have a viable sport, making sure we control costs and improving the show, and there are a range of issues we have got to turn our minds to.

"The calendar for this year was fixed by the time we (FOTA) got going, but we want to look at where are our major investors and America is a massive challenge.

"We can't turn our back on it, but maybe we have to have a completely different approach.

"We have got to have a new approach. Rather than who's going to give us the most money to rock up and race, it is to go there strategically, perhaps with FOTA offering to support the race, participate, send our drivers on a promotional tour one year before, six months before, to appear on shows and make investment.

"Rather than leave it in the hands of a promoter, how do we develop the interest? How do we develop the excitement and take up of F1 in North America? Be it Ferrari, be it Daimler, or be it BMW. You look at all of the principle investors in F1; the vast majority of them would consider the US to be a significant market."

Interest in F1 in the United States has increased in the past few months following an announcement that a new American team is looking to join the grid in 2010.

SOURCE: Autosport

Typically how far ahead of a season does a circuit get decided on?Avenger1324

Depends on the circumstances. If the track already exists (such as Donington), about 18 months. Can be 2-3 years if it's an unbuilt circuit.

[QUOTE="Avenger1324"]Typically how far ahead of a season does a circuit get decided on?Redders1989

Depends on the circumstances. If the track already exists (such as Donington), about 18 months. Can be 2-3 years if it's an unbuilt circuit.

Leguna Secca?

Near California for the distinction and movie folk (I saw a Moto GP race from there on TV and Tom Cruise and Kate Holmes were there so they would, amongst others, probably have interest in coming to bring a bit of glamour like Monaco). I would love to see F1 cars take on the corkscrew.

ROAD ATLANTA! :D

It's where they run the Petite LeMans for ALMS and there are world class accomodations minutes away (owned by the same group that owns the track). Plus it is less than 2 hours from where I live! :D

Although I agree with Garfield360UK that Laguna Seca would be great, and I wouldn't mind see F1 return to Watkins Glen in NY from a history perspective. 

But what are these things that Ecclestone is concerned at Donington about F1 tracks. I wonder if any of said tracks would meet his qualifications? As I have no idea what they are.

It will be quite a task for a lot of good US circuits to have the adequate F1 track standards because Mr. Ecclestone has quite high standards for the circuits that are raced on.

It will be quite a task for a lot of good US circuits to have the adequate F1 track standards because Mr. Ecclestone has quite high standards for the circuits that are raced on.

 

SchumiF1

That's the thing though. Are the high standards for the tracks themselves? Or rather the quality of the paddock and hospitality facilities?

I understand that Formula One is the premier auto racing series in the world, but if the American LeMans Series and several other series can race at a track then F1 should be fine.

Major road courses I can think of in US: Road Atlanta, Road America (Wisconsin), Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen, Sebring, Daytona (infield), Indianapolis (infield), Detroit, Infineon (aka Sonoma), Miller Motorsports Park (Utah), plus many more.

And in Canada: Mosport, Circuit Gil Villeneauve (sp?), plus several more.

That's the thing though. Are the high standards for the tracks themselves? Or rather the quality of the paddock and hospitality facilities? mgmeek

Give me time to find the little piece I wrote back at the end of 2007, but it's the latter. (P.S. My piece was an epic fail, I called Donington "Doddington" :|:|:|)