Indy expects June 19 date for 2005

The FIA's provisional Formula One calendar for 2005 did not assign a date for the US Grand Prix but Indianapolis expects the race to be run on June 19th. With the Canadian GP on June 12th, that would put the two North American events back-to-back as they were this season. The FIA stated when the calendar was released that the date for Indianapolis was 'to be confirmed'.

"While it surprised us, it doesn't concern us," Speedway spokesman Ron Green said in regard to the FIA not setting the date, according to the Indianapolis Star. "The only two people who have to agree on a date, Tony George (IMS president) and Bernie Ecclestone, have agreed on June 19."

"We're not sure why it was listed as 'to be confirmed' and we won't speculate why," he added. Green said that Indianapolis has already been given approval from F1 to mail ticket renewals with the date of June 19th.

The European and Chinese Grands Prix were also listed with their dates to be confirmed. Britain, France and San Marino are still in contract negotiations and only have provisional status, so should any drop out other GP dates might have to be rearranged. The calendar will be finalized no later than December 10th.