(USAToday.com)
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has thrown his weight American NASCAR team owner Gene Haas to succeed with his bid to join the Formula One grid next season. Speaking to The UK Independent Ecclestone said:
'I think Haas will be accepted. They have got the money but it's a question as to whether they are going to spend it.'
Ecclestone was initially sceptical about Haas' bid to enter Formula One however after speaking with the American NASCAR team co-owner Ecclestone is convinced that the Haas bid will be accepted however he does not know what the team intend to do.
It is believed that should Haas be successful in his bid to gain entry in Formula One for next season that the team would use a supply of Ferrari 1.6 litre V6 power plants as Haas confirmed that he was in advanced discussions with the Italian manufacturer over a potential engine deal.
It is unclear when a decision will be made about who will get the 12th spot on the Formula One grid as a decision was originally due on March 28 however, the FIA delayed the announcement and have yet to confirm a new date. Haas is not the only American who has attempted to gain a place on the Formula One grid as in 2010 Peter Windsor was involved in a failed bid to get USF1 s space on the grid.
The United States returned to Formula One in 2012 with the permanent race track at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas which has proven to be a massive success. Should Haas be successful it is likely that his team will field at least one American driver which could potentially give Alexander Rossi the opportunity to race in Formula One. The Texan is currently Caterham's test and reserve driver.
Should Haas have an American driver it would be the first time since 2007 that an American has raced in Formula One when Scott Speed drove for the Toro Rosso team.
©Ben Johnston 2014
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