Bernie: We don’t need USGP

"It is not vital to Formula One to be in the United States," the 76-year-old told Britain's Daily Express newspaper on Thursday, days ahead of him trying to close an extension deal with the USGP at Indy.

"There are bigger markets for us to be in other parts of the world. We could be in India soon instead of the United States. We don't have a lot of sponsors from the U.S., no American teams and only one driver," he added.

"I get along with (Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner) Tony George and I hope we can strike a deal, but we have offers from other places in the U.S. too."

But IMS president Joie Chitwood told the Associated Press that Tony George was keen to discuss a long-term contract with Ecclestone.

"The hope is, from the dialogue we'll have at the event, that we'll have a result whether it's here or not," Chitwood said.

"I think both parties would like to have some closure so we can let the fans know what's happening.

"I think uncertainty is tough for everybody and more importantly for the fans, from a business standpoint.

"I think now is the time for discussion of a longer term agreement.

"We don't want to continue doing one-year contracts.

"I can tell you that Tony and Bernie had a phone conversation last week and they plan to have one here this week. We're hoping to discuss the future of the event, but nothing's been resolved yet."