Bernie: F1 heading towards a 20-race calendar

Tuesday 3rd November 2009

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes it's only a matter of time before the Formula One calendar is extended to 20 grands prix.

While this year's Championship comprised just 17 races, next year there could be as many as 19 with Canada seeking its return and South Korea gearing up for its debut.

But with more countries wanting a place on the calendar, Ecclestone believes the schedule could be extended to include 20 race weekends in the near future.

"I always said that it is possible and obviously now there are more and more people falling for that idea," he told the official F1 website.

"Nobody needs testing. It was always, in my opinion, that testing costs money while racing brings money. Or let them test on Monday after the race when everybody is at the track, the hotels are paid for and that huge logistical effort is eliminated."

Your Comments

godoggo

"F1 truly needs a British GP, a French GP and a United States GP. Those are core markets that seem to be terribly neglected right now. To see any of these as expendable (as Bernie seems to) fails to recognize why all the manufacturers are leaving: Lack of ROI in their own core markets. F1 risks irrelevance if it continues to chase petro-dollars and emerging markets at the expense of their existing customer base. "

rb101

"That'll keep the cost of formula one down Bernie !?!"

rgw2000

"I find it hard to belive but I agree with Bernie. monday testing is a very good idea as long as teams use a seprate test Driver so reserve drivers get time in the car and on the tracks all around the world. good one Bernie. "

supermario78

"how about testing on thursdays, practice on fridays, qual. on sat, & race on sundays, & don't have any back to back weekend, have a race every other weekend...but i agree BERNIE the troll needs his power taken away..."

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