Mario Andretti positive ahead of American GP at Austin

Former American Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti believes American F1 fans are in for a huge treat when the sport returns to the States in November, racing on a brand new track in Austin, Texas. The Circuit of the Americas will be the first purpose-built Formula 1 track in America, after the sport previously used established circuits such as Watkins Glen, Long Beach and Phoenix.

The last time a Formula 1 race was held in America was in 2007, at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The track was part-oval and part-circuit, incorporating the legendary oval track as the final corner and start-finish straight. However, after the 2007 race which was won by Lewis Hamilton, the American Grand Prix was dropped from the calendar after Tony George stated difficulties meeting Bernie Ecclestone’s demands to continue hosting the event.

After four years without F1 racing in the States, American F1 fans can rejoice with the knowledge that not one but two races are planned within the next two years. Motorsport legend Mario Andretti has been appointed ambassador for the new track in Austin, and believes the return of Formula 1 can only be seen as a positive.

“It can only be positive.” Explained Mario Andretti, “I said it a million times and I will continue to say it: the Formula One fan base in the United States is very much understated and I think it will be embraced now to have a proper, solid home. Something that you can look forward to every year and not just move around. This now is solid. Formula One fans can now rejoice, in my opinion, as we now finally have a home.”

The last American Formula 1 driver was Scott Speed, who last competed in a race back in 2007 for Toro Rosso. However, half-way during the 2007 season the Californian driver was replaced by none other than Sebastian Vettel. Scott Speed failed to score any World Championship points throughout his relatively short F1 career, however Mario Andretti believes talent within the States could be found with the right financial backing.

“America is probably the only country in the world that can provide and satisfy the career of a racing driver with either IndyCar or NASCAR, so aspirants never have to worry about being at Formula One level.” Said Andretti, “Now, if you have a Formula One race that you can look forward to - at its own track - I think that there are many youngsters in the United States who could start to dream about racing in Formula One. But they would need some help - some sponsors to get behind them to land seats in top teams - not just be there, but to have real chances for results and to give the sport a real chance to get popular. An American in Formula One will be good for Formula One - and it is good for America. It’s win-win.”

With the 2012 season currently wide open and highly unpredictable, Mario Andretti believes the sport is enjoying a peak in popularity. With seven different winners in the first seven races, Andretti believes it’s fantastic that you can no longer predict the top three.

“Formula One is enjoying its best time right now, no question.” Enthused Andretti, “The technology factor is good; it is still individual; the cars are so different - but still perform the same. That is awesome. It can’t be any better than that. I think there is nobody who will be able to predict the outcome of a race - or even the top three. Two years ago I could almost tell you the top three at every race - this season: impossible!”

The 2012 United States Grand Prix will take place between 16th-18th November, and will be the penultimate race of this very unique season.

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