Ecclestone dismisses safety concerns

Bernie Ecclestone is adamant the new street circuits in Valencia and Singapore will be safe enough to race.

The Formula One supremo last week confirmed both venues will be on the calendar for 2008.

The decision raised safety concerns as street circuits are inherently more dangerous than those designed for purpose.

Singapore is planned as a night race but will be contested during the day if the circuit cannot be lit adequately.

But otherwise, Ecclestone has no worries about the suitability of either venue.

“There’s another street track we’ve been racing on for quite a few years that’s in the south of France – Monaco I think it’s called!” said the 76-year-old.

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

“But of course there won’t be a race unless it is safe.”

With Valencia and Singapore new to Formula One, questions have been asked about the number of grands prix next year.

The team bosses have always argued 20 is the absolute maximum, to which even Ecclestone concedes: “They 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.”

It appears unlikely the San Marino Grand Prix, omitted this year as the standard of the circuit was below that now expected, will return for 2008.

“I don’t think so,” was Ecclestone’s reply when asked.

He also refused to confirm France will remain as that is rumoured to be the next European venue to make way, simply stating: “Let’s see.”