Indy hopes for long-term GP deal

The circuit's original contract to host the race ended in 2006, with a one-year extension negotiated for this season.

There had been uncertainty over the event's future in the wake of the controversial 2005 race in which only the six Bridgestone runners took part, and because Formula One was still struggling to catch the American public's imagination.

But IMS president Joie Chitwood told the Associated Press that Tony George was keen to discuss a long-term contract with Ecclestone.

"The hope is, from the dialogue we'll have at the event, that we'll have a result whether it's here or not," Chitwood said.

"I think both parties would like to have some closure so we can let the fans know what's happening.

"I think uncertainty is tough for everybody and more importantly for the fans, from a business standpoint.

"I think now is the time for discussion of a longer term agreement.

"We don't want to continue doing one-year contracts.

"I can tell you that Tony and Bernie had a phone conversation last week and they plan to have one here this week. We're hoping to discuss the future of the event, but nothing's been resolved yet."

Indianapolis is hoping to add a MotoGP round to its schedule for 2008 in addition to the F1 race, the Indy 500 and its NASCAR event, but Chitwood said it should be possible to fit all four into the circuit's calendar.

"We'd have to talk with city officials and see what weekends are open, that sort of thing," he said.

"We'd have to see what makes sense, but that's so far down the road right now."