Indy wants deal, Bernie says US ‘not vital’
Quote selected text Published by F1 Editor June 14th, 2007 in Formula 1
Organisers of the Indianapolis race want a long-term deal but Bernie Ecclestone said this week that formula one can live without the US.
Associated Press reports that the famous Motor Speedway’s boss Tony George will meet with F1 supremo Ecclestone this weekend, as the race’s current contract is set to run out.
“I think uncertainty is tough for everybody and more importantly for the fans, from a business standpoint. I think now is the time for discussion of a longer term agreement,” said Joie Chitwood, the Indy circuit’s president.
A mere one year contract to cover 2007 was signed last year, as the fallout of the farcical six-car grand prix in 2005 was still being felt.
76-year-old Ecclestone, meanwhile, hints constantly that he has other options even within the United States, and it is probably no coincidence that India is now boasting about having a grand prix deal for 2009 even though no contract has been signed.
“The problem is that in the States we don’t have that many sponsors, there are no teams and only one driver,” Bernie said.
“There is no mainstream TV coverage and only four races are shown live. Of course F1 would like to be in the United States, but it is not vital. There are bigger markets in other parts of the world.”
[GMM]
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Up yours Bernie
For you it’s only$$$$$$$$$$$$$ never to consider the real people who make the f1 what it is……..the fans
I agree most wholeheartedly with “seba”.
SCREW YOU, BERNIE!!! It would serve him right if all the teams were to abandon him and start their own series.
Just sayin’…
Screw Indy! and I guess Bernie as well! I liked the Vegas Street Race idea. Also a return to the Glen would be nice, or the
other tracks I would love see F1 on: Road America or Leguna Seca!
Jay, I can’t wait for that day to come…………..
I grew up in Argentina watching f1, and obviously I’m a Ferrari and an f1 fan.
We are all seeing how f1 is changing over the years due to money and this guy is making it worse.
Take formula one to where fans actually will go to go see it.
In Argentina, they did it for one season and Bernie pull out because he was not making money, even though it was packed and he had all the sponsors that he will ever need, but he was not making any money.
Over the years, at Indy, more and more people have been showing up to the race, but yet it is not enough for Bernie.
He wants more and more……….
If you make the race in Indy, Vegas or anywhere else in the states, if this guy isn’t making money, he would not do it anyway.
You wonder why people in the United States dont like Formula One? Well maybe because of your rash and unnecessary comments
do you really think that’s the reason that f1 don’t have a lot of fans in the states???
The truth is Bernie doesn’t need the U.S. in Formula 1. It is BIG world-wide! For what it is worth……