Indy boss hold key to US GP, says Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone insists the future of the United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis is in the hands of circuit boss Tony George.

Ecclestone, chief executive of Formula One Management, met with Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO George three times last weekend as the deal to stage the race at the famous track expired with Lewis Hamilton's victory for McLaren on Sunday.

The two parties were unable to reach an agreement on the future of the event but did announce that a decision either way would be made by July 12.

Speaking to Indianapolis news television channel WISH-TV, Ecclestone was guarded in his responses to questions about the event, saying: "Yeah, it's all right.

"It's good here, the facilities are good and all the teams are happy here. We don't have a problem."

Asked about the future of the event at Indy, he added: "I don't know. I've been having a chat with Tony so we'll see. He knows what it takes.

"Ask Tony, it's in his hands, it's up to him."

The sticking point is understood to be the amount of money IMS is willing to pay to stage the race in future seasons.

It is believed the one-year extension signed in 2006 when the original seven-year deal expired involved IMS paying £5m (€7.4m) to Ecclestone's FOM company.

In light of other venues such as Valencia and Singapore bidding much higher amounts to stage races on the F1 calendar - and still more like India and South Korea being mooted longer term - the onus is apparently on George to make an improved offer.

Ecclestone was reported to have been unhappy to have arrived in Indianapolis last week to be greeted with Indy 500 banners still up around the city from the end of May, rather than ones promoting F1.

He believes more promotion is essential. "That's what has to happen. That's what is necessary," he added.

"You need to bring the ticket prices in line with reality and do some promoting."

Ecclestone's comments will do little to dampen the ill-feeling in Indianapolis generated by statements in British newspapers last week that the United States was not vital to Formula One.

Indianapolis Star newspaper columnist Bob Kravitz wrote at the weekend: "OK, so all of that is true. But is that any way to treat your host?

"That's like somebody spending the weekend in your home, then telling the world: 'We were hoping for reservations in a better neighbourhood. The food is average and the house smells like mothballs'.

"Nice, Bernie."

Of Formula One in general, Kravitz said the sport had "treated the most storied track in the world and the people of Indianapolis like a giant doormat.

"They are the Guests From Hell. And it's time for them to leave."