Bernie: USA gives F1 nothing but hassle

The contract with current US GP hosting venue, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is about to expire, with next weekend's event set to be the last at the famous speedway unless a new contract is agreed on.

And with speculation growing that IMS is no longer interested in hosting the event, Ecclestone has moved to downplay the possibility that Formula One will once again find itself with no US Grand Prix on the calendar.

"It does not matter to Formula One if there is no Grand Prix in the US," Ecclestone told The Times newspaper, echoing similar statements he made in the latest issue of F1 Racing.

"What do we get from America? Aggravation, that's about all. If you say 'good morning' over there and it's five past 12, you end up with a lawsuit.

"We have never got any sponsors out there. The television has never taken off; we have more viewers in Malta than over there.

"Why do we need to worry so much about America? It has never really taken to open-wheel racing. They talk about the big audiences for NASCAR, but we get as many viewers in Italy alone as they do for NASCAR in the States."

Ecclestone clarified, however, that he is not ruling out an extension of the contract with IMS - but said the event will not be subsidised by the sport, after suggestions that IMS may demand significant financial incentives to sign on.

Ecclestone said: "If they want to continue having a round of the Formula One World Championship over there, I am happy to talk to them, which is what I will do when I get there. But I am not prepared to subsidise a race in America.

"I have a very good relationship with the people in Indianapolis, and I am sure talks will go well."