Ecclestone Predicts 19 Races in 2013

Bernie Ecclestone has predicted that the 2013 Formula 1 Season will contain 19 races, in comparison to the 20 race calendar of 2012. 

The New Jersey Grand Prix has been postponed to 2014, dropping the race number to 19 after the European Grand Prix in Valencia was dropped. Ecclestone has said that a return to Turkey is the only realistic race to fill the gap. 

Earlier last week reports in the F1 Paddock suggested that the German Grand Prix being moved forward would create space for a new European race. Turkey was last on the calendar in 2011, but was dropped for 2012 due to low spectator numbers. 

 Reports suggest that the Red Bull Ring in Austria, previous known as the "A1 Ring", could return, but Ecclestone has revealed that he has not heard from Red Bull. "I have as of today spoken to no one about it," "At the moment I'm thinking more on Turkey and a return to Istanbul." 

However Ecclestone suggested that the 2013 season will go ahead with 19 rounds. "Right now I'm thinking that next year we will go with only 19 races. That wouldn't be a big problem for Formula 1," He also added to Kleine Zeitung that a decision on the 20th race would be made by "the beginning of next week." 

Valencia was dropped to share the Spanish Grand Prix with Barcelona, gifting the 20th race slot to New Jersey. However those provisional plans failed to work out, the racing being postponed.