American Formula One team reportedly seeks to delay arrival on circuit for one year

The newly formed American Formula One team, USF1, has sought permission from F1 authorities to delay its entry into the sport until next year, SpeedTV.com reported Monday. There was no immediate confirmation from either the team or Formula One.

USF1 in January had announced the first of its two drivers, Jose Maria Lopez of Argentina, but there had been signs that the team otherwise was struggling to be prepared for Formula One's season opener in Bahrain on March 14.

For example, there were recent reports that USF1 had requested Formula One's permission to miss the first four races on this year's 19-race F1 schedule.

SpeedTV.com also said the team's request to wait another year for entry followed a breakdown in merger discussions between USF1 and another new team, the Spanish Campos Meta team.

-- Jim Peltz