F1 bosses back second grand prix in US

FORMULA ONE team bosses have given their blessing to suggestions that the United States could hold a second grand prix – but warned the calendar cannot be stretched much further.

The US held two races in the 1970s one in the east, one in the west but interest in F1 waned and the 2000 grand prix at Indianapolis marked the country's return to the calendar after a nine-year absence.

The US represents a major untapped market for F1 in terms of sponsorship and television audiences, with team bosses desperate to raise awareness of the sport in a crowded American market.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has mooted the idea of a New York Grand Prix, but realistically a second race on the west coast potentially a return to Long Beach is more likely.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis backs a second US race, but is concerned the strain on teams could be too much if the existing 18-race schedule is extended.

Eddie Jordan believes the number of races in North America is only part of the solution, claiming US audiences will only embrace F1 if the show is good enough.