DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone on Tuesday ruled out a 20th race on the 2013 schedule, putting an end to speculation that Turkey or another European country is in line to host a Grand Prix this year.
Ecclestone, in Dubai to announce a new sponsorship deal with Emirates airlines, said it was impossible to add another race “at this late stage.”
There was speculation a European race would replace the Grand Prix of America.
The leading contender to fill the spot was Istanbul, which was dropped from the F1 calendar in 2012 after a disagreement with Ecclestone over the fee charged to stage the race. Portugal has also been mentioned in recent months as another candidate.
