F1 to return to Indianapolis in 2006

LONDON - Formula One will return to Indianapolis for a United States Grand Prix in July 2006 despite this year's race turning into a six-car fiasco because of tyre safety fears.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) said in a statement that the race would be held on July 2, subject to final approval by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

This year's race was held on June 19.

"Despite the events that took place during this year's US GP and the cloud that lingered over the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway staff never stopped working on 2006 and promoting Formula One racing in the US," said IMS president Joie Chitwood.

"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be prepared and is looking forward to the 2006 United States Grand Prix."

There had been fears after this year's race, with fans hurling bottles and cans on the track, that Formula One would not return after such a major public relations setback.

Seven of the 10 teams, all those using Michelin tyres, withdrew before the start when it became apparent their tyres could not withstand the forces of the circuit's final banked corner.

- REUTERS