Indianapolis now plays down US GP return reports

Another spokesman for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has now played down claims talks are taking place to reinstate a US grand prix at the famous venue.

After Bernie Ecclestone said in Bahrain that a return to Indianapolis is possible, a circuit spokesman told the Indianapolis Business Journal: "We continue to have dialogue with formula one, and we’ve long maintained we’re interested in hosting their events."

But he admitted that an event in 2011 "would be a long shot", and a second spokesman has now told the Indy Star newspaper that specific talks are not currently taking place.

"In terms of negotiations, nothing is happening at this time," said Eric Powell.

He said "dialogue" with F1 officials has been ongoing since the last US GP in 2007.

"We would love to have formula one in Indianapolis," added the spokesman. "We feel this is the best venue for formula once in the United States."