Ecclestone confirms 19 races for 2013

UPDATE F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone confirmed that a 20th grand prix "will not be added to the Formula One calendar this year," according to Gary Meenaghan of THE NATIONAL. Ecclestone, however, did say he is certain the schedule will return to its full capacity in '14 after he was left "very impressed" by progress in Sochi ahead of next year's inaugural Russian Grand Prix. Following last year's announcement that the Grand Prix of America (NJ can kiss their GP goodbye at this stage) would not be taking place in '13, rumors circulated that a European city "would join the calendar to fill the vacant weekend." Ecclestone, however, said it was now impossible to implement such an addition "at this late stage." Ecclestone: "The calendar has been formed already, it's too late." Ecclestone, who has spent much of the past four decades "expanding F1's global footprint," was quizzed on a host of potential future host cities, including Jerusalem, Israel; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai, UAE. The National

02/05/13 Ecclestone and the FIA had reshuffled the calendar in a bid to slot in a 20th race on July 21, but despite talks with Turkey, Austria and Portugal no deal could be reached.

Although there remains time to sort out an extra event, Ecclestone said on Tuesday that he was now resigned to not holding a 20th race.

"The calendar has been formed already, it's too late," he told Dubai's The National newspaper at an announcement for a new five-year global sponsorship deal between F1 and Emirates airline.

He added: "[I am] disappointed that it didn't happen before; we can't suddenly slot it in."

F1's tie-up with Emirates has prompted talk that Dubai could be in the running to hold a race, but Ecclestone has ruled that out because the Middle East is already well represented with Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

"We support races that we think are good for F1, wherever they may be," he said.

"We have a restriction for 20 races and we already have two in this area, so it would be difficult to pop another one in."