Motor racing legend Mario Andretti was ecstatic about the prospect of an American investment investing in Formula 1.
On the back of the news of a joint bid for a majority stake in F1 currently being conducted by a consortium led by Qatar Sports Investments and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, Mario Andretti considered the potential deal as 'fabulous news'.
"This is fabulous and music to my ears," said the 75-year-old motor sport icon. “In America we have the mind-set to make things happen. It’s a huge market. I can’t see any negatives. A solid investment would spell stability for the sport."
"This is the perfect place to market and showcase F1. It would be a damn good thing. And it would mean more involvement from sponsors that are large corporations and have a global presence.”
As the official ambassador for the United States Grand Prix held in Austin, Texas, Andretti was instrumental in getting a race in the US back on the Grand Prix calendar. But he also believes a second event in the country would be of great benefit for Formula 1.
“There would be room for two races in the US. The other one would have to be in New York or California. The weather is more accommodating in California. But New York has not yet given up on the idea.”
Andretti also addressed the sport's current difficulties, claiming F1 has gone 'overboard with the technical side of things', and should make itself more consumer friendly.
Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1
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