carimmohelp: US presence key to F1′s future: McLaren boss

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Return ... Martin Whitmarsh supports the sport's return to the US.

Return … Martin Whitmarsh supports the sport’s return to the US. Photo: AFP

LONDON: McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh believes formula one’s return to the United States this weekend is crucial for the sport.

After a five-year absence, F1 embarks on an all-new adventure across the Atlantic at the Circuit of The Americas just outside Texan capital Austin. The hope is that in providing a purpose-built facility, the sport will find a permanent home, as it once did for 20 years, from 1961 to 1980 at Watkins Glen in New York state.

For the teams, their sponsors and partners, in particular for the car manufacturers in Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Lotus, having a foothold in the American market is key.

»I’ve always maintained formula one’s presence in the United States is crucial,» Whitmarsh said. »So I’m personally pleased and satisfied we’re back in America after spending far too long away from its shores. On a wider level, the arrival of a state-of-the-art, purpose-built grand prix track is perfect for formula one.

»This is a golden opportunity for the sport to finally put down roots and find a long-term home. From a business perspective, too, we are in the right place at the right time. This is an invaluable commercial opportunity for the sport, for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and our partners.»

On the track, there is every hope the latest Hermann Tilke-design, which has drawn inspiration from a number of other circuits, will prove a winner.

The weekend will be Formula One’s 10th attempt to crack the United States market. Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Phoenix and Indianapolis have all played host at some stage over the past 60 years, but without much success.

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