American F1 team to start from scratch

With two slots vacant on the grid, it is actually a good time to launch a team without having to pay 'goodwill' for a current outfit.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "I think these two guys, as long as they have the budget and they choose the right people, will bring something that we should really welcome. If we've got an American grand prix team, then you really have got something to pull the crowds in. But, as with so many things in this world, it's easy to say you are going to do something... We welcome them, but I don't think they realise how steep a hill it is that they are about to climb!"

Dennis added: "I've been around a while in motor sport and I know Phil and Dan very well. I've got fond memories of coming across Dan for the first time at Goodwood in 1965. It was the era when there were no seat belts and it was literally string-back gloves, short-sleeved shirts, goggles and open helmets.

"The most wonderful feature about Dan was that his feet were too big and he used to drive with the toes of his shoes cut off. It was rather strange seeing a guy walk to his car in his plimsolls with all his toes sticking out! That was when he was driving for Brabham. He was an extremely nice guy and has always been that way.

"His All American Racing team had superb cars, beautifully prepared, probably a bit overweight and without the best power plants in the world, but nevertheless really well run and professional. It will be interesting."