'New Jersey GP still on the anvil'

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says he has not written off a planned Grand Prix in New Jersey next year despite increasing doubts about the chances of it going ahead after being postponed once already. 

"They have a contract. So if they comply with the contract the race will take place. We would be very, very happy if it does," the Briton told Reuters at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday. "They have got conditions and they know what the conditions are," he added. 

Ecclestone was quoted earlier by CNN as saying that the inaugural Grand Prix of the Americas, which would have New York's Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, was "not on the cards for next year" because local organisers "haven't got any money". 

The 82-year-old added that it was similar to a failed project to take the British Grand Prix from Silverstone to Donington Park. 

"It is such a muddle and a mess that it is not worth doing," he was quoted as saying. Asked by Reuters whether he had effectively written it off, he replied: "No, no." 

He said he did not know what the financial situation was but "if they haven't got any money it won't happen for sure.”