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Marko sees solution: Season until after Christmas or New Year

Marko sees solution: "Season until after Christmas or New Year"

28-03-2020 11:35 Last update: 11:45

GPblog.com

Now that there will be no racing in Formula 1 until mid-June (if things don't get worse), the second half of 2020 will have to be chock-full with Grands Prix to be able to drive as many of the 22 races as possible. However, if it is up to Helmut Marko, it could also be extended to the beginning of 2021 in order to be able to run a full season.

As it stands, there are seven postponed Grands Prix and one has been cancelled altogether - the Monaco Grand Prix. The first race on the calendar is now the Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for June 14th.

The Formula 1 have decided to move the annual summer break to March and April so racing can now take place in August. 

Liberty Media CEO Chase Carey estimated that between 15 and 18 races could still be held in 2020. In order to achieve that, a lot of double- and triple-headers would have to come into play, or the season would have to be elongated into next year.

"I see the possibility of extending the season until after Christmas or into the new year as more feasible," Marko says in his interview with Kleine Zeitung.

"Why not? We'll cancel the tests [in Abu Dhabi in December] and continue the season. In the end, we'll save time and maybe even money."

Another idea is to drive several Grands Prix at the same venue, but the Red Bull Racing advisor is not in favour of this plan. He simply doesn't think it's a realistic idea.

"We're beginning the season in Montreal, and even that is not certain yet," the Austrian explained.

"It's not so much about the two races. There are contracts with organisers, with TV channels. 

"How's it also supposed to happen time-wise? One race on Saturday, one on Sunday?"