Patrick Returns to Indy to Meet F1

Patrick, who last month finished fourth at the famed 'Brickyard' after becoming the first woman to lead the race, returned to Indianapolis on Thursday for a flying visit before Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix.

Hemmed in by a throng of reporters outside the BAR-Honda hospitality area, she made clear that her main focus was on her current job with the Rahal Letterman team in the Indy Racing League.

"I'm happy driving in IRL right now," said the Indy 500 rookie of the year whose exploits have made her a household name in America.

"I think it's a great championship with an incredible amount of talent in it, and I love the States.

"I would never say no to anything. I would never say no to F1, I would never say no to NASCAR. I just wouldn't do that to myself because you have to be open to all opportunities," added the 23-year-old.

"It would have to be a certain team," she continued when pressed on Formula One.

"You would have to know you are running for a top team, just like I am running for a top team in IRL. I am only happy when things are going well, and I have to look after my own happiness."

Asked whether anyone from Formula One had called, she said: "Not me. No. Not directly, I don't think anyone has called actually. I have to say I don't know."

Patrick moved to Europe to race in junior series as a teenager before returning to America after catching the attention of Indy 500 winner, CART champion and former Jaguar F1 team boss Bobby Rahal.

"When I went to England to race and the three years I was there I was dead set on racing in F1," she said. "I followed it, I knew everything about it.

"I was out of touch with Indy cars, but as time wore on I knew that there were different ways to be happy and to be successful and to get to where you wanted to be. I have to say that I am glad I am here."

She said she was following no career schedule, working on the premise that "when you are successful things take care of themselves".

"I don't care who I am racing against as long as it's good competition and everything's fair," she said.