Patrick Denies USF1 Talks

Danica Patrick denied rumors that she was contacted by USF1 part-owner Ken Anderson for a potential run in Formula 1 in 2010. However, the IndyCar driver – who became the first female driver to win a race in a North-American open-wheel series last year, at Motegi – admitted she was flattered by the prospect of making her F1 debut next year.

“There weren't any quotes from me because they haven't spoken to me. It's very flattering. I think that any time you are in the same sentence as formula one, it's a flattering thing,” said Patrick in an interview for Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail.

According to the aforementioned source, Patrick is not very keen on traveling all the way to Europe and contest in world's premier open-wheel racing series. The North-American driver has gotten used to driving in the US and Canada for Andretti Green Racing (in the IRL), an opportunity she will not have if she moves to Formula 1. Starting 2009, F1 will not schedule any round on the North American continent.

“I haven't really expressed a lot of excitement and interest in world travel. We'll see what they'll say though. Maybe they'll call,” revealed the 26-year old driver.

Owners Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor are expected to unveil the new USF1 team on February 24, including the names of the drivers who will represent the team throughout the 2010 season of Formula 1. Andeson insisted he wanted an all-American lineup for 2010, with former F1 driver Scott Speed, Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden also candidates for a driving role with the team.