Indy not on F1 schedule

Apparently without a major title sponsor there will not be a United States Grand Prix anytime soon, at least not at Indianapolis. The 2009 F1 provisional calendar was released this week and, once again, does not contain the United States Grand Prix on it.

This comes despite hopes by the speedway and Tony George that f1 would be back. As an ardent supporter of F1, whose attended every USGP since 1982, I can honestly say Indy was the best venue of all. The atmosphere was great, the track was great, the racing - bar one year - was great.

It amazes me that certain F1 races can go years without a title sponsor but the USGP is penalized for not having one, even though, according to everything I've heard it turned a tidy profit for all concerned, and certainly was one of the biggest draws in terms of attendance. But all hope is not lost, according to George. This is, afterall, the provisional schedule and, he hopes, that the Grand Prix might return - if not in '09, then perhaps in 2010 or 2011.