The Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains a candidate for a second grand prix in the United States, according to Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali, with circuit chiefs confirming there is mutual interest.
Formula 1 raced at the IMS between 2000 and 2007, though its stay is best remembered for the tyre-related drama that led to only six cars starting the 2005 race.
The purpose-built Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, Texas, joined the schedule in 2012 but Formula 1 has long sought to establish a second event in the country.
Formula 1 is still working on a proposal to hold an event in Miami but its planned 2021 debut has been put back due to the pandemic.
“America is a work in progress,” Domenicali said in an interview with Autoweek.
“I really hope that we can give you a straight answer very, very soon. But, no question, that is a focus. The objective will be to increase to two American races. That is really the target.”
“I cannot say today whether Vegas is better or worse to be honest. We are working very hard on that. Indianapolis is in the equation.
“That is why it is good we have a lot of elements, but it would be wrong and premature to say anything because otherwise we create expectations that we don’t want to create.
“What I can say is that the focus is definitely there. The big thing we need to change in the US is to feed info every day—more at all levels—with the involvement of the drivers, the teams and the organisers. This is something that we want to do very strongly this year.”
Part of the infield layout was given a facelift in 2008, which removes the need to run on the banked corner, and the circuit continues to hold a Grade 1 FIA rating which allows for F1 events to take place.
Roger Penske purchased the Speedway in 2020 and has previously indicated that Formula 1 was a possibility.
When asked by MotorsportWeek.com for further comment on Tuesday, following Domenicali, an IMS spokesperson commented: “There continues to be mutual interest in an F1 race at IMS.
“We’re open to further dialogue and time will tell if there’s an opportunity that works for everyone.”
