Former Formula 1 star Eddie Cheever has stated his belief that the American Grand Prix will return to the sport's schedule in the near future – and argues that Indianapolis is the right place to host the race.
The US Grand Prix has been a fixture on the F1 calendar on 33 occasions since the official inception of the world championship back in 1950 – at no fewer than seven different circuits.
From 2000 until 2007, however, the event was held exclusively at Indy – and was due to continue in that vein, but for a series of disagreements over costs between F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George.
Former Indy 500 winner and current Grand-Am team owner Cheever, however, is convinced that there is a way back.
“I think it's sad,” the 50-year-old reflected in an interview with
Crash.net, musing on the race's absence from the calendar this year and – seemingly – next, “but it was a business decision that was made by Ecclestone and Tony George.
“They have their business issues that they need to work out – it is above all a business – and I hope it goes back there soon. I think it's highly possible.
“Indy is the centre of all open-wheel racing in the United States, so it does make the most sense to me [to hold the race there].”
by Russell Atkins
