Roger Penske, owner of both the IndyCar Series and Team Penske, has related that he plans to keep his business plans within the US market in the near future.
Penske has had a long and illustrious career in motorsports, which has mostly revolved around the American open wheel scene.
There were a few seasons in the 1970s that saw Penske compete in Formula 1, however, and he often gets questioned if a return to the international sport is in his plans.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Penske said that, for now at least, he is keeping his plans focused around IndyCar and other domestic opportunities.
“I think we’re overloaded with opportunity,” said Penske. “I root for the guys in Formula 1, I know a lot of the drivers, but it’s a different business.
“We have tried to align our car business, since we are racing it’s been a common thread through our company to build our brand, and I think we’ve done it primarily domestically in the US.”
As of early 2020, Penske became the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well, which has hosted eight Formula 1 events in the past.
The last of which was in 2007, when Lewis Hamilton took his second ever victory over his McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso.
Since then, there have been minor revisions to the 2.44-mile road course layout, and IndyCar runs the circuit a couple times per season in recent years.
The circuit is still grade one according to the FIA, and would be able to host a return of Formula 1 if the opportunity arose.
Penske said that hosting a race at the historic venue that he now owns would be great, but that it will take time before any deals can be arranged.
“We’ve had conversation with Liberty [Media, owner of Formula 1],” Penske continued. “Obviously, they’ve been able to put together a very attractive package in Miami.
“We have a Formula 1 circuit that’s been approved, and we’d love to have one. But I think it’s going to take time. We need to digest our purchase.
“We’ve got NASCAR, we have other types of racing, we want to have a big sports car race there, a long distance race. I can tell you, on the bucket list is ‘let’s have a Formula 1 race.’”
Currently the US Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, and recently a second US round in Miami was added for the 2022 F1 season.
I will wait to see the the 2nd F1 race takes place. Have seen too many instances where it all falls apart at some point before the event is run.