Bernie Ecclestone has insisted that next season will consist of 20 races, the same number as is currently on the calendar.
There had been talk of an enlarged calendar for 2013, but the 81-year-old confirmed that a draft had already been drawn up consisting of 20 races with New Jersey filling the spot left by Valencia which is to share its race with Barcelona.
“It’s 20 races [next year]. All the same more or less,” said Ecclestone in Hungary.
When probed on the German GP situation, which is meant to be hosted by the Nurburgring which is in serious financial difficulty, Ecclestone said negotitations were ongoing and refuted claims he might buy the circuit outright.
“We are talking to them, so will see. We need to keep the German race – so we have to do the best we can.
“We will try and save it, but I don’t think the property is for sale.”
He confimed the race would switch to Hockenheim in the event the Nurburgring couldn’t fulfil its contract.
It’s believed the season kicks of as usual in Australia on March 17th and ends in Brazil.
