Ecclestone says he will not subsidise a US Grand Prix

F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has yet to agree a deal to continue staging the race in Indianapolis beyond 2006.

However, Honda's Nick Fry said: "It's important for there to be a race in America, and we'd like more than one."

Mercedes sports chief Norbert Haug agreed, adding: "I would like to have at least two races in America."

Haug believes F1 needs to be more appealing to the American market, where motorsport focuses on Nascar and Indy Racing.

The US is the only big country which Formula One does not play a predominant role in motorsport BMW-Sauber chief Mario Theissen

"My wish would be an American team, driver and probably engine manufacturer. That would be great," said Haug.

"We want to support America and we all need to explore America further in Formula One in the future."

BMW-Sauber chief Mario Theissen also wants Ecclestone to resurrect plans to add a second US race, possibly in Las Vegas.

Theissen said: "The US is the only big country where Formula One does not play a predominant role in motorsport.

"It is important for manufacturers. We should not give up on this."

Indianapolis has yet to agree a new contract to stage the US Grand Prix beyond next weekend's race.

Talks over extending the deal have been overshadowed by the farcical events of last year, when seven teams pulled out of the grand prix because of safety concerns.

The race, where only six cars finished, left a sour taste in the mouth of US motorsport fans, but Ecclestone is refusing to sweeten the deal by lowering his financial demands.

However, Haug is confident the stand-off will be resolved, and said: "I know Bernie differently and I am surprised.