F1 team bosses back expansion to 20 races

Formula One could expand to 20 grands prix in future but that should be the upper limit, team bosses said at a motor sport business forum in Bahrain.

The current season has 18 races, after 17 last year and a record 19 in 2005.

"I think 20 races is a big number but a sensible one," organisers quoted Red Bull team principal Christian Horner as saying.

"It's a huge logistical challenge but the way the teams are working with each other to self-regulate testing, it is possible."

Formula One has two new venues this year, with a European Grand Prix in Valencia and the first night-time race in Singapore, but the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis has gone.

Bahrain, which hosts the third round of the season, is currently the only Middle Eastern race but Abu Dhabi is pencilled in for next year while India and South Korea are scheduled for 2010.

A third Middle Eastern race could also be on the cards, with Dubai and Qatar interested and already having lavish facilities in place.