COTA's Epstein open to more F1 races in the US

©WRI2

40

US Grand Prix organisers in Austin, Texas say they would welcome additional F1 races in the US.

Formula 1's new owners are targeting an expansion of the Grand Prix calendar in the future, with perhaps multiple dates scheduled in the United States.

Liberty Media's Chase Carey, speaking about the future of Grand Prix racing last week following the American company's takeover of the sport, reiterated his will to increase F1's footprint in the US.

Circuit of the America's promoter and US Grand Prix boss Bobby Epstein said he welcomes Liberty's vision of widening F1's presence in America.

"In the long run, it will bring more attention to the sport and our race," he told the Austin American Statesman newspaper.

"One of the drawbacks of F1 in America is most races start at 7am or even earlier. If you add a race in our time zone, it will grow the fan base, and that's good for all of us," he added.

Epstein's only concern was the country's lack of suitable permanent venues, forcing F1 to resort to street circuits which are less attractive in his view.

"Street races tend to be very boring," he said.

"There's not much opportunity to overtake. A fan can't watch many turns."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.