Formula One news

Briatore happy to lose US GP

Flavio Briatore revealed that he is glad to not be returning to Indianapolis next season given the track's lack of organisation and poor publicity. Bernie Ecclestone did not hide his contempt for the way the American Grand Prix was advertised and now the Renault boss has joined the tirade against the way the event was run.

When asked at a press conference how he felt about the Indianapolis being omitted from the 2008 calendar, Briatore said: "Very happy. I believe that if you have the USA, we need a proper Grand Prix. Sure, that is not Indianapolis. The logistics are not great. If we do something in the future in America, I believe in doing it in the right place with the right advertising, the right commitment from everybody and make sure people know we're there."

Other team bosses, with commercial interests at heart, are sad to see the American Grand Prix disappear from the schedule considering the ambition to open up a new and potentially massive market. Norbert Haug and Mario Thiessen are said to be disappointed, as well as team principal Christian Horner, whose team Red Bull is always on the look out for American driver talent to attract interest in the States.

"It's disappointing to lose a US race," he said. "It's an important race for us. For Red Bull it's our biggest market, so hopefully it won't be too long before it's back on the calendar."

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