Calendar set for revamp in 2008

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone met with team bosses at Indianapolis on Saturday to begin preliminary talks about the future calendar.

Amid the discussions, which preceded a more lengthy debate about engine rules, was the possible inclusion of new races from 2008, talk about the future of the United States Grand Prix, and whether the sport should pursue having two races in some countries.

The teams welcomed the inclusion of new races, if they would add to F1's interest, but have indicated that they do not want the calendar to expand much more than the current 18 races. Any new events, with Mexico and South Korea having been mentioned, would be at the expense of current European races.

Sources have suggested that Imola would be the most likely first casualty, with another slot being freed up by rotating the German Grand Prix between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring. This could start as soon as next year, if Ecclestone needs to find a slot for the Belgian Grand Prix.

The teams have also urged Ecclestone to try and keep the sport at Indianapolis for the time being rather than pursue the idea of a race in Las Vegas or New York.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore told autosport.com: "I believe F1 needs to be in United States. If we have any other possibilities, we need to keep Indy.

"We need to keep one foot in the US, but sure, if you tell me what I prefer - it's Las Vegas and New York. But at the moment we have nothing else. I believe with Indianapolis we have to keep one foot in the US."

The teams also discussed whether the season should kick off in Bahrain, as it did this year, or revert to the traditional starter of Australia - which is believed to have a contractual commitment to stage the season opener.

But opinions between the teams on that matter appear to be split.

McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "I think Bahrain worked quite well for the teams and F1, in my view. But we don't have a particularly strong influence on that."

Briatore said: "I prefer to start in Australia because we then take a long trip for the start of the season."