Thaindian News

London, Oct 31 (IANS) McLaren-Mercedes boss Martin Whitmarsh is concerned with the heavy schedule as the next year’s Formula One calendar could see record-breaking 20 races.

Whitmarsh feels 20 races in a year will put an intolerable strain on crews and drivers. Whitmarsh, who is also the chairman of the Formula One Teams’ Association, believes that the crammed schedule is all about money.

“Twenty races and a lot of fly-aways is pretty hard on the team, and we’re at the tipping point. We shouldn’t have any more than 20,” the McLaren team prinicipal was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Whitmarsh feels Formula One should look at adopting a crew rotation system that is employed in NASCAR.

“We’re getting close to the point where you do need to alternate crews, like in NASCAR,” he said.

Witmarsh said McLaren-Mercedes can deal with the next season’s calendar but warned that 20 races a year should be the limit.

“Obviously, the world championship is important, but every Grand Prix as a stand-alone event is very special. I know there is always the chase of money, but 20 is a lot and we’re right on the limit of what we should be. I think we can cope with it (next year) but it is very hard because by the time the team strips down and returns after Brazil (the final race of this season, on Novmber 27), then it will be December.

“In January those same guys will be building the car, and then in February testing it, and then they’re into a flog around the world,” he said.