Ecclestone hopeful of new US GP deal

Although Ecclestone has so far drawn short of officially confirming that Indianapolis will remain on the calendar in 2007, with its current contract coming to an end this year, the success of this weekend's event has left everyone in the sport confident that it will now continue.

Talks between Ecclestone and Indianapolis circuit boss Tony George are expected to start formally this week to put together a future contract.

When asked by autosport.com whether he believes the United States GP should continue, Ecclestone said: "I don't know. We are talking and we hope.

"I think we should be here, if we can reach an agreement."

Ecclestone suggested that the discussions with George were likely to last a few weeks.

George himself claimed earlier in the weekend that he was committed to securing the future of F1 at the track, after meeting Ecclestone in the paddock on Friday.

"We appreciate the interest and support from everyone who has inquired about the future of this event," he said in a statement.

"Many months ago, Bernie and I agreed to wait until the conclusion of the 2006 event to evaluate our future together. We expect to do that in the coming weeks.

"The good news is we enjoy the partnership that has been forged and are committed to working toward continuing to build on the foundation that has been laid over the last seven years."