Formula One: Ecclestone expects 19 GPs in 2013

ISTANBUL: Formula One looks likely to have 19 races next year despite organisers tweaking the calendar to create space for a 20th round in Europe, according to Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone. Speaking to Austria’s Kleine Zeitung newspaper, the 82-year-old Ecclestone poured cold water on suggestions that the country’s grand prix could be reinstated after a 10-year absence to take the vacant July 21 slot. “Really? Who says that? Until now I have not talked about this with anyone,” said Ecclestone of speculation that a race could be held at Spielberg’s revamped Red Bull-owned circuit, formerly known as the A1 Ring. “At the moment I think that we will have only 19 grands prix next year. That would not be a big problem for F1.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2012.