Brundle expecting an 16 or 17 race calendar

The start of the Formula 1 season seems like a distant prospect but much like Helmut Marko, Martin Brundle still holds plenty of hope regarding a significant number of races taking place.

Much of the sporting calendar has been swept by the coronavirus pandemic, the European Championships have been delayed until next summer, all professional football has been postponed until the end of April and there are still doubts over the summer Olympics in Japan.

Formula 1 has been hit as well and racing isn't set to start until June at the earliest. However, Helmut Marko reckons we'll see 18 races whilst Martin Brundle has a similar figure in mind.

“The season needs at least eight races, with this year a maximum of 22," he told Sky Sports.

"It is already clear that this situation will not occur. Once we start, I can easily see another sixteen or seventeen races taking place.

“The races then come in quick succession, with triple headers and even quadruple headers. Maybe a week of rest in between and then go again. Weekends will, therefore, be shortened from three to two days."