Ecclestone cool on Imola return

Ecclestone secured the Valencia deal last week

The San Marino Grand Prix at Italy's Imola circuit is unlikely to return to the calendar next season, according to Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone said new races in Singapore and Valencia would be the only additions to the calendar for 2008.

And asked if the popular Imola event would be back, he shook his head and said: "I don't think so."

The race was dropped for 2007 because of sub-standard facilities but the owners are updating the track.

He also refused to confirm France, rumoured to be the next European venue to make way for new races, would remain, stating: "Let's see."

Ecclestone said he did not know how many races would be on the calendar next season.

We've had no trouble at Monaco so I don't see why we should have any at these other street circuits Bernie Ecclestone

But he said team bosses who have argued that 20 is the absolute maximum "are probably right".

He added: "We'll have to see how it all pans out. We have to see how many we really can sustain where everybody is happy, and then we'll have a look from there."

Ecclestone shrugged off fears over safety at the new street circuits in Valencia and Singapore.

Singapore is planned as a night race but will be held during the day if the track cannot be lit safely. Valencia is also set to host a race in 2008.

"There's another street track we've been racing on for quite a few years - Monaco I think it's called," Ecclestone said.

"We've had no trouble there so I don't see why we should have any at these other street circuits.

"But of course there won't be a race unless it is safe."