Ecclestone targets NY race

F1 supremo hoping for New York Grand Prix in 2012

Ecclestone: Hoping for NY race

I'm trying for 2012, opposite Manhatten in New Jersey with skyscrapers in the background.

Bernie Ecclestone
Quotes of the week

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is bidding for the sport to return to the United States for a New York Grand Prix in 2012.

Nine circuits have previously hosted races in America, including temporary tracks such as the one constructed in 1981 and 1982 in the car park of Caesar's Palace hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

The last race to be held in the US was in Indianapolis in 2007, but Ecclestone believes the New York skyline would be a perfect backdrop for a stateside event.

"I'm trying for 2012, opposite Manhatten in New Jersey with skyscrapers in the background," Ecclestone told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Fifteen minutes from the centre of New York to the circuit. (It would be) a wonder."

Comeback

Speaking ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend, Ecclestone also revealed he could see Flavio Briatore making a comeback to F1.

The former Renault boss ruled out a return after his life ban over allegations he helped fix the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was overturned.

But Ecclestone believes he has a future in the sport, adding: "I think he could take up a role in the promotion of Formula One."

Ecclestone also added that new FIA (International Automobile Federation) president Jean Todt ruled in a more harmonic way than his "dictatorial" forerunner Max Moseley, but is hoping the Frenchman will not introduce too many changes.