An American team will again become part of the Formula One race in 2015. Bernie Ecclestone, the chief executive of F1, made the announcement and the team, which will be the 12th in the sport, will be supported by Gene Haas, American businessman. The last time that Formula One had a driver from the United States was in 2007, in a report by NBC Sports.
According to Sky Sports, Gene Haas is currently discussing matters with officials to finalize the arrangements. Other interested parties include Stefan GP and Colin Kolles. Ecclestone shared that Haas has a very high chance of getting accepted. He has the right background, being the joint owner of the Stewart-Haas Racing team, which won a championship in the U.S. Nascar racing series, as well as the founder of Haas Automation, a top engineering firm. Haas has more than enough money to fund the team and is looking to get well-known experts for the team such as Gunther Steiner.
The American team showed its interest in joining the grid after the FIA announced in December 2013 that the sport was open for potential new entrants. In 2010, another U.S.-based team called USF1 was supposed to become part of the sport but failed to raise funds to get off.
Ecclestone said, "A billion would last a new team owner four years." He added, "I've spoken to Haas but I don't know what they are going to do. It's America, so I don't know." Ecclestone shares how Formula One popularity can get better in the United States with the entry of an American team. He was eyeing on conducting a street race either in New York City or California.
A decision was set for February 28, 2014 but it was postponed to a later unknown date. To make the decision, the FIA executives operate as a group to render their decision. Ultimately, Ecclestone, as chief executive, will influence the final decision the most as reported by The Independent.
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