Ten years ago, there were only five grands prix outside of Europe.

In his infamous Hitler interview at the weekend, Ecclestone repeated his claim that Europe will be a "third world economy" within a decade.

But to the German newspaper Bild, he now denies Europe is set to further dwindle on his sport's annual calendar.

"We have now two races in Spain, and I am sure that we will keep having two races in Germany.  At Hockenheim and at the Nurburgring.  We are negotiating now with Hockenheim," Ecclestone revealed.

He admits that the entire sport has been affected by the global recession.

"Everybody is affected ... but formula one has been going for 60 years, most successful companies will survive," said Ecclestone.