» The calendar of uncertainty

Two months out from the start of the new Formula 1 season and the 2013 calendar is yet to be finalised, with potentially two venues still up for grabs as the new season approaches.

The German Grand Prix is scheduled to be held at the Nurburgring circuit this year, but continued financial issues are hampering the circuit, putting its position under threat. It was reported in the German media over Christmas that the event will still go ahead at the circuit in July as planned, despite its financial woes, while another report coming out this week from Reuters mentioned that it is far from secure from holding the event.

Bernie Ecclestone however has come out and said he hopes the famous circuit will return to the calendar for the first time since 2011.

“It should be the Nurburgring and we are trying to make it happen,” he told the news agency this week.

As for the other uncertain spot, it appears the chances of Formula 1 returning to Turkey have stalled, with no other venue likely to replace the postponed New Jersey Grand Prix. Ecclestone said in the same interview that he expects 2013 to be a 19-race season with the Istanbul circuit once again having issues over who will fund the event, should it go ahead.

However, with two new races planned for 2014 and a queue of new countries lining up to be included on the calendar, it appears if this season does fall back to 19 races it’ll be at full strength once again and for many years to come.