Formula 1 race director and FIA delegate Charlie Whiting visited the newly-resurfaced Watkins Glen circuit this week, describing it as an "absolutely wonderful" circuit for F1 to race on, prompting speculation on social media that the circuit could return to the F1 calendar.
Whiting often visits the New York state circuit to complete an inspection and his most recent visit coincided with resurfacing works. Speaking to local media, he had high-praise for the work that has been done and the circuit itself.
"I think the track looks marvellous. I am really, really impressed with the work that has been done. It has been done to a very, very high standard," said Whiting.
"I think it is one of the most charismatic circuits in the US. There are newer ones like the Circuit of the Americas but it hasn't got the character that this has got."
Whiting would be happy to see F1 race there again, but understands that a good track isn't enough to entice those with the power to make such an event happen.
"I think it would be an absolutely wonderful circuit for F1 cars to race on – but we all know it is not quite as simple as that. As far as circuits in the US go, this is right up there," he added.
"It is always a pleasure to come over and see how things are done over here, to see how well things can be done without going to the silly levels of some of the modern tracks that get built by very wealthy governments – what we see here is an absolute gem of a track. It has got heritage and that is what I like."
With Whiting's comments sparking speculation on Twitter, the circuit – which last hosted an F1 race in 1980 – moved to deny such claims through its official Twitter account.
"We never implied that F1 may return. Many tracks receive FIA certifications that do not host Formula 1 events," read one tweet.
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