With the new prospective American team USF1 set to be announced officially on Tuesday [Live press conference on SPEED 12noon/et], attention is already turning to the possible occupants of the Charlotte-built race cockpits in 2010. Indycar star Danica Patrick has already played down her reported link with the outfit, but other notable American names have also been mentioned in various quarters of the racing world. #44-AJ Allmendinger’s has been another name associated with USF1, but he said he is concentrating on his NASCAR foray even though he views a formula one opportunity as “intriguing”. The motor sport writer for the Toronto Star claims #18-Kyle Busch should be “a shoo-in” for a USF1 seat, while the 26-year-old veteran of 28 grands prix #82-Scott Speed has also been linked with Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor’s project, as have Conor Daly and Marco Andretti. Windsor is quoted by Britain’s The Independent newspaper as clarifying that no decisions about details including engines and drivers have been made. “We have yet to speak to any drivers, but we are looking at every American with the right credentials, and Danica is definitely on the list,” he said.( motorauthority.com)(2-24-2009)
UPDATE: Kyle Busch’s agent said the young NASCAR star would “certainly leave the door open” to try Formula One “at some point” after Busch’s name was mentioned during a press conference announcing a new American-based F1 team. Officials with the USF1 team, which will be based out of Charlotte, said it would be interested in having Busch drive its car. Busch is under contract at Joe Gibbs Racing through the end of next season [2010]. “Obviously, it’s very flattering for him to be mentioned for a Formula One ride, especially an American-based team,” said Jeff Dickerson, Busch’s agent. “Thanks to Toyota, he was excited at the prospect of getting to test a Formula One car this past offseason. While it didn’t work out then, he would certainly leave the door open to try it out at some point. At the same time, he’s currently focused on winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series championships for Joe Gibbs Racing.” IndyCar Series drivers Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti were also among the drivers mentioned as possibilities by the USF1 team.(SceneDaily)(2-25-2009)
