Ecclestone confirms 20 races in 2011!

The Formula 1 calendar will be extended to 20 races next year with the addition of the Indian Grand Prix after Bernie Ecclestone revealed this weekend that he has no intention of dropping any events from the 2010 calendar.

Even though there have been doubts about the future of the Chinese and Turkish races since they attract few spectators, Ecclestone stated on Friday that all current races will remain in 2011 when India is added to the calendar. When asked if India would be an addition or the replacement of an event, the Briton said: « We will not abandon anything. It will be 20 races, get ready for 25! »

The chief financier also clarified that he would finalize a new contract with the organizers of the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite a lack of local interest, doubts had emerged regarding this new agreement.

« We are happy about everything regarding the Chinese GP. No dramas … the contract is ongoing and it will continue. It’s a renewal contract. »

Ecclestone accused the race promoters for their lack of advertising for the weekend since the stands were almost completely empty for Friday’s practice sessions: « It’s a shame because the place is great, everything is good. It’s a shame. They are not promoting the race properly, it’s as simple as that. The people managing the venue need to do a bit more. If you were in Shanghai during this weekend, you wouldn’t even know there was a race here. »