Indy pens MotoGP deal but F1 still in doubt

UPDATE Rumor has it that the MotoGP race at Indy will be announced on July 16th at the Speedway.

07/06/07 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have edged ever nearer to a July 12 deadline without inking a deal for a US grand prix in 2008.

It is now certain that MotoGP will stage a round of its premier two-wheeled series on the circuit's F1 road course next year — a move that will require a slight modification to the layout.

But circuit president Joie Chitwood can not speak so optimistically about the fate of the American formula one race, which has enjoyed mixed success since arriving at the Speedway in the modern era in 2000.

But he did reveal that Indy chief executive Tony George spoke with Ecclestone on the phone earlier this week, and another discussion is planned for next week.

"I'm encouraged by that," Chitwood is quoted as saying by the Indianapolis Star.