USGP to Jersey City?

UPDATE (GMM) Hopes that Jersey City could host the US grand prix in the near future were dealt a blow on Wednesday.

Barely 24 hours ago it emerged that officials were in preliminary talks to hold a night race beginning in 2012 inside Liberty State Park, amid the backdrop of the New York skyline.

But mayor Jerramiah Healy has now backed a public opposition group in warning the city's Tourism Office to scrap the plans.

"I have come to the same conclusion … that this type of event is not suited for Liberty State Park," he said in a statement.

"While we work to attract national and international events to our city, we must ensure that they are appropriate and will have the least impact upon the quality of life of our residents and our community," mayor Healy added.

Moreover, state officials who operate the public park are not confirming if the venue will be approved for F1.

"Each (park) event is considered based on benefit to users and its impact on the natural and historic resources on the site," a spokesman is quoted as saying by nj.com.

05/04/10 (GMM) Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, has emerged as the potential site for a United States grand prix between 2012 and 2016.

Local reports said talks for a race amid the backdrop of the New York skyline are underway, with a city spokeswoman confirming that "preliminary discussions" with F1 officials started three weeks ago.

The story emerged after documents obtained by opposition group Friends of Liberty State Park showed plans for a 3.6 mile track within the 1200 acre park providing "the least impact to city functions".

"It is a marketing tool to bring people to Jersey City such as foot traffic and revenue to local businesses," the spokeswoman is quoted as saying by hudsonreporter.com.

Mayor Jerramiah Healy issued a statement clarifying that Jersey City was approached by formula one.

"Jersey City is one of several cities they (F1) are pursuing," said mayor Healy. "There have been a few, preliminary conversations and this is very much in the exploratory phase.

"However, this may not be something that is in the best interest of Jersey City or Liberty State Park," he added.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone's London office could not be reached for comment.