Andretti « very, very confident » for the GP in New York

In 2012, Lewis Hamilton may finally find a successor—or succeed himself—five years after his victory at the United States Grand Prix. Indeed, since 2007, Formula One has no longer graced the track of the legendary Indianapolis circuit and has even deserted the land of Uncle Sam. Five years ago, however, Lewis Hamilton won his second consecutive Formula One victory there, while Sebastian Vettel made more than promising beginnings, scoring his first career point on that occasion. The swan song, it was thought then, for a mayonnaise that never seemed to mix between the United States and Formula One, which Mario Andretti refutes in an interview with GPUpdate.net: « I wouldn’t say that the mayonnaise never took because I think that, for many years, F1 was quite well established and popular at Watkins Glen. It’s just that once it abandoned that destination, the United States Grand Prix became something temporary. I think it was rather good, for a few years, at Long Beach, because it was something new at a time when urban races were disappearing in Europe. But it became too expensive, it didn’t work economically anymore, and it just disappeared, just like the other races in Detroit, Phoenix, etc. It’s a shame! That said, I think that if they manage to complete the construction of the circuit in Texas, then at least we will have standard facilities, which will hopefully bring some stability. With Austin and New York on the schedule, I just hope that all this will actually materialize. I am a true Formula One fan, I would like it to succeed in our country and I think it would be good for the United States, but also for F1. »

But for now, the Grand Prix project near New York, scheduled for 2013, is the one that generates the most interest and the least uncertainties. Regarding it, Mario Andretti is quite optimistic: « I looked at the New York circuit layout and my first reaction was to say that it was really good. […] Honestly, I have no doubt that they will be ready: knowing the people involved in the project, I am very, very confident, really. I know Bernie Ecclestone was very keen to be near New York. That’s the case, and I think it can become something very, very interesting and I hope it happens for several reasons: it’s close to my home and I could drive there! Those are good reasons for me! »