Steve Keating AUSTIN, Texas — Once a Formula One wasteland, the United States is suddenly being viewed as a land of promise for the world's glamor circuit with F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone calling for up to three races in the US. After a five-year hiatus, F1 makes its long-awaited return to America this weekend, resurrecting the US Grand Prix and along with it hopes that the series may finally be ready to conquer a market it has long coveted. With the newly constructed $400 million Circuit of the Americas providing the spectacular beach head, a successful race in the Texas capital could pave the way for even more Grands Prix in the US with possible races in New York and Los Angeles. F1 teams up and down the Austin paddock could not hide their delight at being back in the US while Ecclestone gushed a new found enthusiasm for a market he had once dismissed. “The Americas are probably big enough to have five or six Grands Prix,” Ecclestone told reporters. “We're trying to get something sorted out in New Jersey/New York, we've had a lot of requests. “Maybe we can do something in LA (Los Angeles) in the future. “It's a shame it (New Jersey) didn't go through as planned, it won't happen in 2013 and hopefully we can resurrect it in 2014.” Unable to find a permanent home, F1 has barnstormed its way around the US with Austin becoming the 10th city to host the series after Sebring (Florida), Riverside (California), Watkins Glen (New York), Phoenix (Arizona), Dallas (Texas), Detroit (Michigan), Las Vegas (Nevada), Long Beach (California) and Indianapolis (Indiana). But with the country's first purpose built F1 track already drawing rave reviews and a 10-year contract in place, the series appears ready to take up residence in Texas while looking to spread the F1 lore to the rest of the country. “It is imperative to stay here a long time and consider this as a starting point,” Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali told reporters. “We have the duty to teach the American public the sport. “For me the most important thing from now, this weekend forward, is to make sure our American friends speak about Formula One every day.” Teams would not be against three stops in the US, which is the biggest market for many outfits, including Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes Benz. “It's crucial for Formula One to be a true world championship you've got to have a race in America,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. “For the first time ever we've got a circuit that's been specially made to bring out the best and showcase Formula One cars. “It's a crucial race for Red Bull. America is Red Bull's biggest market.” Certainly, F1 will have to produce more than one good race weekend if it is to stake out a place on the ultra-competitive US sporting landscape. Ecclestone admits he does not know why F1 is so popular in some countries yet virtually ignored by others, including the US. “It's a strange thing I don't no, no idea,” said Ecclestone. “When I arrived here the guy at customs said, he had not heard of Formula One.” In Texas, Nascar is king and it is likely more eyeballs and television remotes will be focused on Homestead, Florida where the Chase championship will also be decided Sunday. Forcing their way into the US sporting spotlight will not be easy but it is fight F1 teams say they are up for. — Reuters
