Bernie Ecclestone believes Formula 1’s turnover and profit will remain stable for 2011 after revealing that the Bahrain organisers paid their race hosting fee.
The fee is estimated at around £25 million ($40m) and was paid despite the cancellation of the event due to political unrest in the country.
Ecclestone had earlier said that he wouldn’t charge the organiser, but he told the Independent, that when he attempted to return it, they told him not ‘to bother’.
“I don’t think turnover will be down this year,” said the 80-year-old. “I think it will be flat because we were paid for Bahrain. I said we will give them the money back and they said don’t bother.
“I think the turnover and profit will be more or less the same as 2010,” he added.
The 2012 Bahrain GP is scheduled for April 22nd.
The F1 mogul added that he would like to see races in South Africa and Mexico, following a return to the USA and the new Russian GP in 2014.
“After Russia I would like to go to South Africa and Mexico. Both countries are trying to do something.”
He also joked that a race in Greece could be a possibility, but it would be dependent on a bailout from Germany, much like their economy.
“Greece are also trying to do a Formula One race. The Germans will lend them some money”.
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