Dennis wants more cash for extra race

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has given his backing to an expanded Formula One calendar – but only if more cash comes with an extra race.

The world governing body the FIA have reserved 19 weekends for Formula One next season, leaving open the possibility of an extra grand prix.

Talk in the paddock has suggested a second race in the United States would be a welcome addition as the sport attempts to raise its profile across the Atlantic.

Long Beach in California and New York have been suggested as possible venues and Dennis would be supportive of a bigger-than-ever calendar.

But the Englishman is concerned about the strain such a calendar would place on teams and wants more money to increase his staff.

He said: “There has not been any dialogue on the subject of next year in respect of extra races.

“It needs unanimous agreement from the teams. If it is the right thing for Formula One we will look at it.

“It will be fiscally driven. We are not opposed to more races but we would need greater income so we could rotate our team members.”

Dennis also hit out at retiring FIA president Max Mosley, claiming the Englishman was not entirely honest in his press conference to explain his impending departure.

Mosley will stand down in October, claiming he is bored of the politics of Formula One.

He also outlined a series of rule changes which he promised to force through if, as he anticipates, team bosses do not agree.

But Dennis cast doubt on Mosley’s position.

“I don’t think Max’s reasons for leaving from the FIA are consistent with what he says,” said Dennis. “I think you should look into the Formula One World Council meeting and find what took place in there.”

“Many things he said were not accurate,” Dennis added, referring to Mosley’s position on the new rules.

McLaren enjoyed a much more competitive French Grand Prix at the weekend, with David Coulthard enjoying his best qualifying position of the season with third.

In the race, McLaren took sixth and seventh after a solid but unspectacular display.

Dennis has been encouraged by the performance of his new car, which made its debut at Magny Cours, and believes race victories are within its reach.

He said: “It does not matter what type of car we have, we go to races to win.

“It would be wrong to say we are going to win races, but the new car has the potential for that.

“Every race we are going to win but we do not do a cumulative approach, we are just trying to win. But I would not put any outlook on the season. I would be delighted if we could win some races.”