New blood from the USA

In 1993, Michael Andretti was the last US racing driver to date, to secure a F1 Grand Prix seat. In the forthcoming season, however, there will be another American on the Formula One grid: Scott Speed. Jacques Villeneuve welcomes this development.

"It's positive for Formula One to have an American on the 2006 grid," says Jacques Villeneuve, who celebrated major successes in the USA before moving to Formula One racing. In 1995, the Canadian won the legendary Indy 500 and also secured the IndyCar Championship title. In 1997, just one year after his Formula One debut, Jacques won the Formula One World Championship, thus proving that his career in American motor racing was great preparation for Formula One.

"The US have always been a difficult market for Formula One," adds the 34-year old. "For the fans, it's difficult to love the series as there is just one round of the season held in the USA." Despite the starting of 2005 edition of the race, which was contested by just six cars due to tyre safety concerns, the US Grand Prix will remain one of the most significant events on the Formula One calendar. The spectacular Indianapolis Motor Speedway features not only Formula One's only banked corner but also its longest flat-out section, the 1,820-metre straight. In 2006 the race will be held on 2nd July.