The teams want to take action for the return of the United States GP

According to Martin Whitmarsh, F1 teams must take the initiative to become key players in promoting a race in North America if the sport wants to make a return to this part of the world.

The cancellation of the Canadian Grand Prix in 2009 means there will be no F1 race in North America this season, a first in many decades.

Even if the continent doesn’t hold significant importance for the entirety of F1 (manufacturers and sponsors), the teams want the sport to return there as quickly as possible.

And Whitmarsh believes that rather than relying on Bernie Ecclestone to resolve the matter, he thinks that the Formula 1 teams should find a solution themselves.

« The FOTA (Formula One Teams’ Association) clearly believes that we need a Grand Prix in America. We are working on how to achieve this goal, » said Whitmarsh.

« The emerging viewpoint within FOTA is that we need to be more strategic when developing the calendar. We must ensure that we have a viable sport and that we control costs. »

« This year’s calendar has been set, but we want to see our major American investors rewarded. »

« We cannot turn our backs on the United States, but perhaps have a completely different approach, » continued the Briton.

« We need to establish a new approach to promote the continent. Instead of talking about sums of money, we could send our drivers to promote six months before the race, have them participate in shows to attract investors. »

The interest in the return of a United States Grand Prix has increased over the past few months following the announcement that a new American team would join the 2010 championship.