Bernie Ecclestone has hinted that a second formula one race in the United States might soon be added to the annual calendar.

In a dose of the 76-year-old F1 supremo’s typically coy candour, he suggested to ‘Sports Illustrated’ that speculation of the demise of Indianapolis’ annual spot after 2007 might be wide of the mark.

Briton Ecclestone has reportedly been in talks with alternate US venues, including groups in Las Vegas and Chicago.

But he said: “Maybe we wouldn’t need to make a change, maybe (we will) add a race. Other places are looking at us.”

Indianapolis’ F1 promoter Tony George has signed only a one year contract to cover this season’s grand prix, but Ecclestone ruled out offering US organisers a discounted race fee.

F1’s TV ratings in America are reportedly similar to those seen for the domestic Champ Car series.

Bernie said: “Why should we race in America for certainly half the fee we get in other parts of the world?”

[GMM]

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