With Indianapolis stalling on a decision to extend their relationship with Formula One, a new circuit in Alabama is looking at the potential of wooing Bernie Ecclestone and the pinnacle of motor racing to a new circuit being built there in the coming years.

Although Formula One has received a mixed reception in the United States, particularly after the 2005 tyre fiasco, there is believed to be sufficient demand for the sport 'across the pond' and several sites for a race, either in addition or in replacement to Indianapolis, have been mooted.

According to Alabama's Press Register newspaper, there are plans in place for a $350million circuit that is aimed at luring NASCAR to its shores, but will also a have a road course designed for single-seater racing, including Formula One.

"We're interested in Indy or formula one type races," claimed an investor. "We didn't want to just limit it to NASCAR. We thought if we had a road course, we could open it up for different types of events."

Although Alabama does not have the glamour or heritage of Indianapolis, the promise of a newly designed circuit could appeal to Ecclestone. However, initial plans were intended to see Alabama host a second US Grand Prix in addition to Indianapolis, a bid made all the more unrealistic in the wake of the elimination of the second Italian and German races from the calendar, Imola and Nurburgring.

Still, the circuit, which is expected to be built near the town of Mobile, is not due to be completed before 2009 so, for the time being, their F1 aspirations are still in their infancy.