Q & A with Ecclestone on the GP calendar

But there is more work to be done - not least by getting the teams to agree to even more events in a season, and by deciding what current events make way to new venues.

Autosport.com met with Bernie Ecclestone in Barcelona today to hear about his calendar plans, night racing, and more.

Q: How many races are we expecting next year?

Bernie Ecclestone: "I don't know yet."

Q: Would 20 be a reasonable number?

Ecclestone: "I've no idea. What do you think?"

Q: Is Imola going to come back next year?

Ecclestone: "I don't know. I don't think so."

Q: And France definitely won't happen?

Ecclestone: "Well let's see. Let's see."

Q: Isn't having less races better, maybe 16 or 17?

Ecclestone: "Well, anything between 15 and 25 I think."

Q: Apart from the two that have been announced in the last two days, are there any other new races going to be added for next year?

Ecclestone: "Not next year, no."

Q: What about India?

Ecclestone: "India? We are talking."

Q: There has been such an influx of new races, with Singapore, Abu Dhabi and South Korea. Are we into the territory where we have to alternate races?

Ecclestone: "We will have to see how it all pans out, and see how many races we really can sustain where everyone is happy. Then we will have a look from there."

Q: But the teams say that 20 is the absolute maximum

Ecclestone: "Yeah, they are probably right."

Q: So is there a threat that new races like South Korea and Russia will have to wait longer for a deal?

Ecclestone: "Let's see."

Q: Can you explain how is it that F1 and the FIA are requiring more safety with the tracks, the drivers are doing the same, but the next two tracks that have been announced for the championship are street tracks?

Ecclestone: "I don't understand the question too well. There is another street track that we have been racing on for quite a few years. It is in the south of France more or less. Monaco, I think it is called. We have had no trouble there, so I don't see why we should have trouble with these other street circuits. But for sure, unless it is safe we won't have a race."

Q: Can you tell us some more about why you have not signed the contract with Valencia?

Ecclestone: "It is very simple. The reason I didn't sign in Valencia was exactly what I said here (about Barcelona): I know who I am dealing with and I am happy with whom I am dealing with. So I am happy to reach an agreement and sign a contract.

"With Valencia, perhaps if the current people are not in power any more then I am not sure who I will be dealing with. So until I know who that is going to be, I am not prepared to enter into a contract. It is normal business I would have thought."

Q: You said it was a business decision, so why not wait until after the elections? People are saying you are trying to have an influence on politics

Ecclestone: "I didn't know, until I got there, anything about the elections because I am not political. From what I understand from people, the current regime will probably win the election.

"We've made all the agreements and arrangements with people, so imagine if he doesn't win then I will have to deal with someone I haven't met and don't know, and don't know what has been agreed.

"You cannot say you will sign a contract but don't know who you will be signing it with. So that is the reasons, there is nothing political about it at all. In fact, it is quite the opposite."

Q: So if the current president doesn't win the election, does that mean there won't be a race there?

Ecclestone: "I would like to see who we are going to be talking to, and see if I feel as confident with him as I am with the current team. This guy I feel confident and happy with.

"It is like the people here (at Barcelona). I am happy with a handshake; I don't need a contract, to be honest. We just make a few notes to remember what we agreed."

Q: A few months ago we were talking about night races in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, but it now doesn't appear as likely as it did then. What is the status of night races?

Ecclestone: "Sorry. What doesn't look as likely?"

Q: Well, are they all going to be night races?

Ecclestone: "Oh, I thought you knew something I didn't know, that is all..."

Q: Well Australia say they can't do it, and Malaysia seem doubtful

Ecclestone: "Don't worry about it."