IMS: United States GP Will Go Ahead

The organisers of the United States Grand Prix on Tuesday night said the race will go ahead as planned on September 30 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

After days of uncertainty surrounding the penultimate round of the Championship after the terrorist attacks in the country last week, Tony George, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, said the race will happen.

"Every top official involved with the organisation of Formula One, including FIA president Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone, has indicated that the US Grand Prix will continue as scheduled," said George. "While we are very saddened by recent events, we continue to work and plan for what we expect will be a successful, exciting event.

"President Bush has urged Americans and the world to proceed with everyday life, and we are doing so with deep respect for those affected by last week's tragedies."

World Champion Michael Schumacher and his younger brother Ralf, among most of the drivers, have said they will drive at Indianapolis next week amid assurances that safety will be stepped up.

The organisers said in a statement: "We have a comprehensive security plan for all of our events...A full complement of law enforcement personnel will be on hand for the Grand Prix. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway expects all 11 Formula One teams to compete at this event with their regular drivers, and planning and logistics for the event continue on schedule."

The teams face a daunting journey to get to Indianapolis, via Amsterdam - where there is the only x-ray machine large enough to complete security checks on all the F1 cargo. Ferrari's transporter trucks were spotted making their way to Amsterdam today as the Formula One world prepares to defy the possibility of further terrorist threats.