By alley - Apr 1, 2016, 3:01 PM ET

F1: Ecclestone wants Las Vegas GP by 2018

Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone believes a grand prix in Las Vegas could be on the calendar as early as 2018.

Ecclestone, who

hinted to the British media earlier this week that a deal for a renewed Vegas race was in the works

, has confirmed he is in talks with potential promoters for a street race in the Nevada gambling mecca. The event would serve as a second race in the United States now that Circuit of The Americas appears to have resolved its financial difficulties.

"I hope it does come off, and it's something we're working on," Ecclestone told Autosport. "If it does happen, then I would think we are two years away from having a race there. Let's hope we do it."

Las Vegas previously hosted two grands prix, with the races in 1981 and '82 (pictured) taking place in the parking lot of the Caesar's Palace casino.

Ecclestone has long looked to have two events in America, with prior plans for an event in New Jersey failing to come to fruition, while a return to Long Beach was also floated a few years back, but with nothing substantial materializing.

With 21 races, the calendar is currently pushing the limits of all involved in F1, so the prospect of stretching to 22 in 2018 should Las Vegas come on board is unlikely to be welcome. However, a number of current events are in jeopardy, with Italy chief among those as Ecclestone has yet to agree a new deal with the Monza organizers for beyond the present contract that expires after this year's race.

Formula E officials are also believed to have also been in discussions over a possible Las Vegas race. The electric series is also chasing a New York event.

Originally on Autosport.com