Bernie Ecclestone says he wants to expand the formula one calendar to 20 grands prix in 2009.
There will be just seventeen races this year, but the F1 supremo has already lined up Abu Dhabi and South Korea for future events and it is no secret that he is negotiating with India, Russia and Singapore.
“Europe risks being left behind by formula one’s expansion to the Middle and Far East,” Ecclestone, 76, reportedly said in Singapore on Tuesday, where he is meeting with a possible promoter for a grand prix in the Asian state.
He added: “Comparing the circuits like Turkey with Silverstone or Magny Cours is like comparing the developed world with the third world.”
BMW motor sport director Mario Theissen indicated that he would conditionally welcome a 20-race calendar.
“I can imagine that,” the German told Sport-Informations-Dienst, “but only if we continue to further limit testing.”
