Ecclestone indifferent about US GP future

As the sport gears up for a charm offensive to win over fans who were dismayed by the mass withdrawal of the Michelin teams from last year's United States Grand Prix, Ecclestone has said he is not too fussed about the future prospects.

Indianapolis' contract to host an F1 race runs out after this year, and track boss Tony George has said he will only begin negotiations about extending it after the July 2 race so he can see what impact the 2005 events have had.

Speaking in the July edition of F1 Racing, Ecclestone appears non-plussed about the US GP, claiming that the country's importance on the calendar is overplayed.

"Let's put things in perspective," he said. "The TV ratings in the US have always been pretty dismal. Single-seater racing in America is extremely marginal and even a top-end NASCAR race only attracts the same sort of TV viewers as F1 gets in Italy for an average race. That's nothing to write home about.

"F1 has never got anything good out of the US. We've never had a big committed US sponsor. We could hold 10 Grands Prix in the US and a handful in Europe to boost F1's popularity in the States - but what would be the point of that?"

Despite Ecclestone's indifference towards the future of the United States Grand Prix, McLaren boss Ron Dennis believes it is likely that Indianapolis will eventually agree a deal to continue hosting the event.

"Last year was a bit of a setback for the sport," he said. "Keeping the race on the calendar will depend on the fans' enthusiasm. I wouldn't be surprised if this year's audience is quite good. I still think a race at Indy next year is a possibility."

The sport is ramping up efforts to try and repair the damage caused by last year's event.

Bridgestone are hosting a 'Preview Party' at Indianapolis over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, while travel company Grand Prix Tours have secured support from teams for a 'Kiss and Make Up' party in downtown Indianapolis on the eve of the race.