Formula One, last seen in the US when Lewis Hamilton won in Indianapolis at its final race in 2007, may be set for a return to that country after plans for a grand prix in Jersey City emerged today.

A proposal for races to be held in the 1,200-acre Liberty State Park from 2012 has been put together by the director of tourism for Destination Jersey City, with the possibility of it being turned into a night event, according to Autosport magazine.

The plans for the Jersey City grand prix come a few weeks after fresh speculation that Indianapolis was poised to get F1 back, with Tony George, the former head of the city's Motor Speedway track, present at the Chinese grand prix to discuss ideas.

"With the incredible backdrop of the New York City skyline, selecting Jersey City for the 2012 grand prix auto race circuit will not only boost ticket sales as the grand prix returns to the US, but will [provide] striking television footage," reads an outline proposal for the event. "To maximise the dramatic effect, Jersey City could possibly follow in Singapore's footsteps by holding the finals at night."

A provisional 3.6-mile track layout has already been prepared and it is understood that organisers are seeking a five-year deal. They are also eager that the race be known as the Jersey City grand prix.

But while the invitation may be well received by F1's organisers, who are keen for the sport to have a presence in the US, the local advocacy group Friends of Liberty State Park has already lodged a protest with Jersey City's mayor, Jerramiah Healy.

"Once you have a track there, and especially with the state's finances, there would be such pressure on the state to have regular car racing there," said Sam Pesin, the president of the Friends' board of trustees. "You'd end up having the name changed from Liberty State Park to Liberty Race Track."

Meanwhile, Ferrari's president, Luca di Montezemolo, has dismissed as "ridiculous" claims his team's cars carry subliminal tobacco advertising. John Britton, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and director of its tobacco advisory group, suggested last week that a barcode on this year's Ferraris resembled the bottom half of a packet of Marlboro cigarettes, and that it was "creeping branding".Tobacco advertising has been banned in Formula One since 2005, yet the British and Spanish governments have been urged to ascertain whether Ferrari and Philip Morris are in breach of EU laws.

"Frankly, I find this argument completely pointless," Di Montezemolo said. "It is verging on the ridiculous to claim that the colour red or a graphic design which shows a barcode could induce people to smoke.

"At a time when, on the other side of the Atlantic they are fighting to provide a more equal health service, in the old continent of Europe, so-called experts are racking their brains to come up with theories that have no scientific basis.

"I think there are more important matters to think about than a barcode. Therefore, it's best not to waste any more time replying to this sort of nonsense, or to those who are instrumental in wanting to stoke up the story."