[HHugo]

Bernie Ecclestone says there will be ‘two or three’ new races on the F1 calendar in 2004.

The F1 supremo confirmed that the current schedule will remain in place in 2003 but anticipates changes the following season. He has already promised Russia a race if they build a track in time but hinted that China too could be given a spot on the calendar.

He told ITV-F1's Jim Rosenthal: "Next year will be the same but the year after we will lose two or three and gain two or three.

"We may be going to that place where there’s a lot of people and they eat nice Chinese food."

Ecclestone’s remarks that two or three races will lose their places on the F1 calendar are bound to lead to speculation. Hungary, Brazil and San Marino may all come under threat.

And ominously for British F1 fans, Ecclestone remained critical of Silverstone – even though race orgainsers Octagon were last week repaid a £3.5m bond for improving access to the circuit.

He said: "They got their money back because they did everything they said they would do.

"Silverstone is still a long way behind the new tracks. It’s old, and we just don’t seem to get the support from the government."

bron: www.itv-f1.com