Calendar Could Grow Beyond 20 Races - Ecclestone
By: GMM
Bernie Ecclestone has revealed the Formula One calendar could expand beyond 20 races.
Originally, the 2012 schedule featured an unprecedented 21 dates, but FIA president Jean Todt insisted the number would ultimately drop to 20 as agreed with the teams.
Indeed, the latest version circulated in the Hungaroring paddock last weekend featured 20 races, with Turkey dropped.
The teams, fearing staff burnout, are keen for the calendar to remain capped at 20 races per season.
But Williams chairman Adam Parr told Reuters this week that the schedule "can increase a little bit" in conjunction with a change to the event format.
If we say we have got to get rid of Monaco, they would say we would rather not
"We could have 21 (races)," F1 chief executive Ecclestone, the author of the annual calendar, told the Daily Express.
He suggested the teams will agree to an extra race on the grounds that the one it would need to replace might be Monaco or another favourite.
"If we say we have got to get rid of Monaco, they would say we would rather not," predicted Ecclestone.
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Jean Todt on how he convinced Michael Schumacher to sign with Ferrari in a single day
Jean Todt reveals Red Bull wanted him after Ferrari, and why he rejected the offer
Hamilton: Todt should "answer questions" over FIA's Vettel call
James Vowles hails Williams factory effort after major Baku F1 upgrade
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz reveal F1 boys' trip plans
How Fernando Alonso scored ninth at Zandvoort - and how Alex Albon lost a similar payday
George Russell after rejuvenating Baku win: "It would have been very easy for me to lose the faith"
"Everything that could go wrong went wrong" for Ferrari in Fuji WEC
Wins v. big picture dominate Truck Series Chase discourse after Kansas
Jorge Martin “made us feel wanted” amid current MotoGP struggles, says Yamaha boss
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments