Bernie Ecclestone on Friday did not sound confident about the prospects of reinstating North American races on the formula one calendar.

Indianapolis' US grand prix was staged for the last time in 2007, and the paddock is still reeling from the news that the Canadian city Montreal will no longer host a race.

"America works in a different way," the F1 chief executive is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Certain world events, like formula one in some countries or the Olympic Games, are financed by the state.

"In America they are organised by private entities, who want to make a profit even before the race has been held. It's a bit too much."

The 77-year-old's stance is not popular among the car manufacturers on the grid, for whom the North American market is key.

"We are hugely disappointed," said Honda's Nick Fry. "It will be a major topic at the next meeting of teams."

Toyota president John Howett said: "Hopefully in the next four years we can establish a real race in the US."

BMW's Mario Theissen stressed the need for the "Canadian race and at least one US one".

Source: GMM