Tony George Admits to Feeling 'Helpless'
Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George has admitted he feels 'helpless' after returning to the United States from Europe, where he met with Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone
George flew to Europe to meet with Ecclestone to discuss the future of the US Grand Prix after last weekend's fiasco at Indianapolis, where seven of the ten teams withdrew from the race right before the lights went off for the start.
George, who kept quiet since the event and refused to speak to the press, said yesterday that he was unsure whether an agreement could be made to compensate the fans that attended the event.
Formula One Sources indicated that an announcement could be made, as soon as Monday, that ticket holders for the 2005 race will get their money back, and/or will have free access to next year's Grand prix.
But George, attending the IRL race at Richmond, remained uncertain.
"I feel very helpless," he was quoted as saying by the IndyStar newspaper. "I don't know what's going on. I hope we can come up with something, but I don't know.
"There's a lot going on and a lot coming up in the next week when the teams go before the [FIA's World Motor Sport Council]. We'll have to see."
George said last Sunday's event left him feeling vulnerable - presumably to lawsuits from ticket holders - and he stated: "Everybody has maintained a position and to some extent I can understand their positions. But leaving us in the position we were left in made me feel very compromised."
Asked if he already has plans for next year's race, set to be the last US GP in Indianapolis under the existing contract, George said: "I'm formulating it."
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