Not wishing to be outdone, Ecclestone has had a say on the future shape of
Formula One, in terms of the calendar and how points are awarded. Returning to the suggestion that the number of races each season could rise to 20 in order to accommodate both potential new venues and the traditional circuits beloved of many, Ecclestone added Mexico, Russia and India to a mix already known to include Abu Dhabi, Korea and, probably, Singapore, while hinting that Magny-Cours' days could be numbered. The city of Valencia, meanwhile, announced that it had secured approval to work on a street circuit close to its America's Cup port development.
Having also continued the theme of holding night races in Asian countries to accommodate better television audiences in Europe, Ecclestone also suggested that the points system be revised to encourage more competition for race wins, claiming that the current eight points for the runner-up enticed drivers to settle for second best.
Among those circuits thought to be under threat of Ecclestone's axe,
Silverstone confirmed that it was pressing ahead with its 'Master Plan' for redevelopment, insisting that it was 'not for sale' after a reported £56m approach from property developer Spectre. The circuit also revealed that the British Grand Prix would be backed by Spanish financial giant - and
McLaren sponsor - Santander this season.
British motorsport was very much in the news after
Lewis Hamilton's stunning
F1 debut in Melbourne, the Briton's third place finish helping to mask the fact that
Michael Schumacher was no longer involved. The German, however, remained in the news after the Nurburgring decided to name a section of its F1 layout after him in honour of his seven world titles.
