Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George has officially confirmed that there will not be a Grand Prix at Indianapolis in 2008.

Following an earlier report, George made the following announcement a short while ago:

"After several discussions, Bernie Ecclestone and I were unable to agree how to keep Formula One in Indianapolis for the near term. However, we have agreed to leave the door open for a potential future date.

"It has been a pleasure having the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis, and I hope that as we approach our Centennial Era at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, an opportunity might present itself that would allow its return."

With Magny Cours also missing from the schedule, this means that two historic - certainly in terms of the motor car and indeed motorsport - nations are missing from the F1 calendar next season.

That said, Singapore ands Valencia will make their debuts.

Following, George's announcement, Ecclestone is understood to have told Reuters: "We didn't reach an agreement... let's see if we miss America".

Though Ecclestone has talked of a race in Las Vegas, though by many to be a bluff aimed at forcing George's hand, the Englishman admitted that there is no other venue lined up to host the United States Grand Prix next season.