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nice thought, but it’ll never happen...

http://vmag.com.au/f1-could-race-at-watkins-glen/?

F1 could race at Watkins Glen

March 10, 2016 by Mat Coch

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Watkins Glen would make a ‘wonderful’ home for Formula One in the United States, according to FIA race director Charlie Whiting.

Along with his role of overseeing the running of each grand prix, Whiting is also tasked with inspecting circuits around the world to assess safety standards.

A recent visit to The Glen, in upstate New York, coincided with a resurfacing of the circuit.

It left the Englishman impressed with what he saw.

“I am really, really impressed with the work that has been done,” Whiting told local television.

“It has been done to a very, very high standard.”

However it was the suggestion that Formula One might return to the circuit, which hosted the United States Grand Prix from 1961 to 1980, which caught the attention.

“I think it would be an absolutely wonderful circuit for F1 cars to race on, but we all know it is not quite as simple as that,” he claimed.

“As far as circuits in the US go, this is right up there.”

Formula One has struggled to gain traction in the US since the early 1980s.

Since leaving Watkins Glen Formula One has raced at Long Beach, Phoenix, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis and now at the Circuit of the Americas.

That event too had faced an uncertain future as local politicians pulled funding from the event, though a media conference overnight has confirmed the event will remain on the calendar.

“Since we first hosted this event in 2012, we have gained a lot of knowledge and insight that has allowed us to make significant annual improvements to the event that we are confident will continue to establish the United States Grand Prix as the standout race weekend on F1’s calendar.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Texas and the Circuit of The Americas, for what promises to be an amazing weekend.”

Watkins Glen last hosted Formula One when Lewis Hamilton and Tony Stewart swapped cars for a promotional event in 2011.