The chances of the United States Grand Prix returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the near future appear slim, after it was revealed that there has been no ongoing discussion about the event.

Speaking to the Indianapolis Star during last weekend's IndyCar Series finale at Chicagoland Speedway, IMS CEO Tony George confirmed that there had been no contact with Bernie Ecclestone or anyone else at Formula One Management regarding the race since talks broke off earlier in the summer.

"I assume I know what they want," George said on Sunday, as the F1 circus geared up for its five-race run-in to the end of the season without having been to America.

This season was the first in which the USGP did not run since returning to Indianapolis' famed 'Brickyard' in 2000, and rumours suggest that the future of the event may lie away from the venue, despite the obvious attractions of running there. While crowds have not been bad, there is apparent pressure to switch the event to either Florida, California or New York although, with the possible exception of Laguna Seca - which would need a substantial upgrade - few venues spring to mind as viable.

The manufacturers and sponsors involved in the sport still see the USA as an important market, however, so a return is expected in the next couple of years. With Formula One's current penchant for street circuits - witness the addition of Valencia, Singapore and, to some extent, Abu Dhabi to the 2008-09 schedules - what price a layout being devised around NYC's various landmarks or, in Singapore style, on the Miami waterfront?

Indianapolis, meanwhile, will content itself with the addition of MotoGP to its stable of events, with the first race taking place this coming weekend. The circuit already enjoys visits from NASCAR - albeit controversially in 2008 - and the IndyCar Series, which looks set to enjoy a healthier time following this season's unification with Champ Car.