Horner backs 2006 calendar

The FIA this week released a draft calendar for 2006 which expanded to 19 races, equalling this year's longest Championship in history.

The sport's governing body had blocked 20 dates, but countries like Mexico, which had been mooted as a possible newcomer, was not included.

Some team bosses expressed their concern this year that such a long calendar could take its toll in the teams' staff.

Horner said the teams would like to do more racing and less testing, but he believes 19 races is enough.

"There has not been much dialogue with the teams on the calendar but I think it all looks pretty sensible," said Horner. "To have 19 races is a gruelling calendar for anyone but there are no triple headers, as were feared, and not too many manic back-to-backs.

"Bahrain and Malaysia to start with will be a tight one but there are no surprises. I think we prefer more racing and less testing and it looks like we will have more racing and more testing now.

"Doing more races is not really an issue if the calendar is allowed to run later, but testing costs us money for little gain. That said, I think we may come to the conclusion that 19 races is enough."

The calendar includes six pairings of back-to back races, including Canada and the United States on June 25 and July 2 during the soccer World Cup in Germany.

However, there will be no clash with the final on July 9 in Berlin and the only European race during the competition will be the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on June 11, which coincides with the opening group stage matches.

The Silverstone race has been moved from his traditional July date, but despite having one month less to prepare for the event, BRDC president Jackie Stewart welcomed the decision but admitted they will want to return to original date in the future.

"We want to retain the traditional July date in future but we are happy to move for this one," said Stewart. "England in June can be nice, and it is my birthday on that day too.

"We have been aware for some time that when you have the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games and you do not want two major events to clash on the same day.

"You want to get maximum attendance and maximum television viewers, but we are positive, we have been half prepared for this date and we have already started selling tickets."