Indy chief hints at F1 return

Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George is currently in talks with several sponsors in a bid to get the United States Grand Prix reinstated on the Formula One calendar for next year.

For the first time since 2000, there is no USGP this season after George failed to agree terms on a new deal with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

However, attracting a sponsor would help make the race financially viable and enable George to sit down with Ecclestone and discuss the prospect of F1 returning to the States.

“It really all depends on finding the right sponsor partners for Formula One to come back,” said George, speaking to Indianapolis radio station, 1070 The Fan Radio.

“We need to improve the financial performance of the event in order to justify bringing it back, and we won’t do that without sponsorship.

“So we’re talking to some folks that may have interest, and that could happen as early as 2009 if we can go to Bernie with a proposal.”