Ecclestone rules out 20th race for 2013

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has ruled out a 20th race on the 2013 calendar, putting an end to speculation that Turkey or another European country is in line to host a Grand Prix this year.

Ecclestone, in Dubai to announce a new sponsorship deal with Emirates airlines, said it was impossible to add another race “at this late stage.”

There was speculation a European race would replace the Grand Prix of America.

The leading contender to fill the spot was Istanbul, which was dropped from the F1 calendar in 2012 after a disagreement with Ecclestone over the fee charged to stage the race. Other locations mentioned in recent months have included Portugal.