TWO years ago, Formula One left Indianapolis with its tail between its legs after all but six cars withdrew before the start of the American Grand Prix in a row over tyre safety. Michael Schumacher won the race amid a cacophony of boos and it seemed that the sport had been damaged beyond repair.

Furious fans demanded their money back and vowed never to return. Last year, ticket prices were reduced, a charm offensive was launched and those same spectators did indeed flock back to the world-famous Brickyard. This time they saw a proper race, with Schumacher beating teammate Felipe Massa. Only nine cars made it to the finish, but there was plenty to keep the crowds entertained as 10 drivers were involved in accidents and three more broke down.

And the fans are back in big numbers this weekend. To the outsider, that may come as a surprise. Americans love winners, especially when it is one of their own who is doing it, but that isn’t the case in F1, in which the only American in the field is Scott Speed, whose STR Ferrari fails to live up to its driver’s name.

Even golfer Tiger Woods, who is otherwise occupied at the US Open this weekend, has been following F1 this season and says he has been especially impressed with Lewis Hamilton: “I’ve been following his progress pretty closely. Without a doubt, he is one of the most exciting talents to hit the sporting scene in recent years. Any time a rookie comes through and wins big, it is a story that captures the imagination.

“But it’s not just his results. I’ve been impressed by the way he has handled himself off the racetrack, and I think he has the potential to be a terrific role model.”

Ticket prices start at just $50, with the most expensive only costing $150. There will not be a full house today, with some tickets still available yesterday, but race organisers confidently predict a crowd of well in excess of 100,000. It says much for F1’s global appeal that it has been able to put its 2005 public relations disaster behind it, and, even more, that it has succeeded in winning back its American audience.