Stoddart chasing Dutch duo

Stoddart, who last week purchased the CTE-HVM team and immediately re-branded it as Minardi team USA, ran both Verstappen and Doornbos (pictured) during his time as the Minardi Formula One team boss, and said that he would be keen to take both stateside.

Stoddart said: “As for Jos Verstappen, Jos and I go back a long way. He drove for me in 2003, but I go back as far as '97 with Jos and we have a good working relationship. I think he would be an asset to the series.

“I think he would be an asset to Minardi Team USA and yes, there is negotiations going on, but again, there will be no announcements this side of the new year.

“Again Robert is someone we are talking to. I have had a tremendous relationship with Holland over the years and long may it continue. So expect some exciting announcements in the new year.

Stoddart also confirmed that CTE-HVM's drivers from this season, Dan Clarke and Nelson Philippe, are both in contention to retain their drives.

"We are currently seriously talking to four drivers including Nelson and Dan. There are also others beyond that, with whom we're at an earlier stage of negotiations."