"What do we get from America? Aggravation, that's about all," he said. "It does not matter to Formula One if there is no grand prix in the U.S.

"If they want to continue having a round of the Formula One world championship over there, I'm happy to talk to them, which is what I will do when I get there. But I am not prepared to subsidize a race in America."

Ecclestone's words should not be taken entirely at face value. The eccentric ruler has a history of saying the outrageous because he knows it will get media attention. And it's possible his comments were an attempt to publicly negotiate a new deal with Speedway owner Tony George.

No matter what the motive, team leaders across the paddock were quick to insist Formula One does need to be in America and very much wants to continue the United States Grand Prix.

"America is basically the only big country in which Formula One does not play the dominant role in motorsport, and I think we shouldn't give up on achieving this," said BMW team leader Mario Theissen.

Many of the corporations participating in F1 _ particularly the car makers _ view the U.S. as their biggest playing field and the one with the most potential for growth. And the key players in F1 believe the world championship would be cheapened if the series is not truly global and does not have an event in the U.S.

"It is very important for all of us," said reigning world champion Fernando Alonso. "Indianapolis is probably one of the greatest circuits and names in the history of motor sports. We for sure need to be in the U.S."

But so much of it will depend on this weekend. Indy organizers must feel the event is a success this year and worth the time, money and energy they put into it.

Michelin has accepted blame for last year's fiasco and taken enormous steps to rectify it. The French tiremaker offered refunds to last year's race, and bought 20,000 tickets for Sunday to give to fans who attended the race last year.

The tiremaker also organized a series of fan events for this weekend, including autograph sessions with drivers from its teams and a Q&A session with Alonso. Michelin also will donate $5 (euro4) for every tire sold at participating dealers to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis for the Race Against Drugs program.

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