USF1 will make us proud, says Craw
USF1 have paid their entry fee and are committed to racing in 2010
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Thursday, 12, Nov 2009 04:03
By Adam Leveridge
USF1 have paid their entry fee for the 2010 season and will be on the grid in Bahrain, according to president of the FIA Senate Nick Craw.
Recently there has been speculation about the future of the Charlotte-based team, however, Craw was quick to dismiss the rumours in an interview with American Speed television network.
"There are probably some people who would like to see the US team fall by the wayside so they could have their spot on the grid," said Craw.
"In the old days, we used to never count an entry as being real until the cheque had arrived and had cleared.
"And of course entry fees were non-refundable.
"If you want any proof as to whether USF1 is going to be there or not, they sent their entry fee in ten days ago and the number is close to $440,000 so they are going to be there and they are going to make us proud."
Craw added that everyone involved in the sport, from the commercial rights holders to the sponsors, all regard the absence of a United States grand prix as a liability - America being the world's largest market.
However, he sees no future at Indianapolis and believes the introduction of a new street circuit to the F1 calendar is most likely.
"It's the number one market in the world and everyone wants to be there and needs to be there," said Craw.
"Having said that, there is only one circuit in the United States that has a grade one licence, which is what you need for F1, and that's Indianapolis, and there's probably no deal forthcoming there.
"If you've seen some of the Taj Mahals that have been built for the F1 circuit these days, I don't see any budget for that in the United States.
"I think the likelihood is much higher that we will see a temporary street circuit in and around a major metropolitan area and there are two or three right now that are looking at that possibility.
"So I am reasonably optimistic that can be brought to bear in the fairly near future.
"Nine circuits have hosted Formula One races in the United States over the years, including makeshift ones such as that laid out in 1981 and 1982 in the car park of Caesar's Palace hotel and casino in Las Vegas."