Sunday 30 March at 13:51 : Indianapolis boss Tony George has confirmed that talks are on to revive the US grand prix.

For the first time since 1999, the fabled venue will not be visited by the formula one circus this year, after George and the series' chief executive Bernie Ecclestone failed to reach a new agreement.

But it recently emerged that a local marketing company had been commissioned by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to look for potential sponsors to help fund the race's return.

And to Indianapolis radio station 1070 The Fan Radio, George sounded hopeful that the right financial backing could put the US grand prix back on track as early as 2009.

"We need to improve the financial performance of the event in order to justify bringing it back, and we won't do that without sponsorship," he said.

"We're talking to some folks that may have interest, and that could happen as early as 2009 if we can go to Bernie with a proposal," George added.