Bernie Ecclestone Forces USF1 To Change Name USGPE

Bernie Ecclestone Forces USF1 To Change Name USGPE

America’s new Formula 1 team, USF1, will no more be called USF1. Sport’s commercial rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone ordered the American team to change the name to  US Grand Prix Engineering or USGPE. Does not sound as good as USF1, but USGPE will do, I guess.

Unfortunately for the American team, it turns out that Formula One Licensing BV, one of three companies comprising the Formula One Group of Companies holds trademarks on an F1 logo, a “sweeping curves” depiction used in television broadcasts, and the terms F1, Formula 1 and Formula One.

The Americans initially thought of changing the name to US Grand Prix. Apparently “grand prix” is trademarked by Formula One Licensing BV, too. So finally they settled for USGPE or United States Grand Prix Engineering. The team is expected to make a serious attempt to make a play for the lucrative American market which has never really taken to Formula One racing. Plans include all-American engines, chassis, and drivers to kickstart some patriotism. American racing driver and bikini beauty Danica Patrick is being spoken about as a potential driver for the USGPE team

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based operation. to be jointly run by one-time Ligier and Onyx technical director Ken Anderson and former Williams and Ferrari team manager Ken Anderson – was officially launched last week, but none has been able to access the website because of the change of the teams name and rechristening of the logo.

‘With the sport suffering as a result of the global financial crisis, and only nine teams currently confirmed for the season- opener, to many this latest move might appear somewhat petty,’ comments Pitpass. ‘Race fans in the United States already have plenty to feel aggrieved about.

‘Other than the fact that F1 is not visiting North America this year for the first time since 1958, many US race fans will remember the shambles that was the 2005 United States Grand Prix, when only six cars took part.’

The Indian FI team suffered a similar jolt too, as it too, was told to change its logo because it resembled the “F1″ logo.

Earlier Ecclestone helped Windsor and Anderson to get F1’s newest arrival off the ground, allowing USGPE to use the official 2008 season film for promotional purposes.

Renault, Toyota and Force India all employ ‘F1′ in their official names but this has been considered acceptable as the name is followed by the word ‘team’.