Negotitations for the future F1 courses continue to still be a hot issue while the competition between the old, newer or future venues continue to increases. 
While the extension of China's F1 contract beyond 2010 may not be as simple due to the low attendance, Bernie Ecclestone made an unexpected visit at FIA World Touring Car Championship paddock in Marrakech circuit in Morroco.
Ecclestone had a demonstration of the venue by WTCC promoter Marcello Lotti, the
President of the Touring Car Commission Jonathan Ashman and Aly Horma of
the event promoter company Marrakech Grand Prix. Later he quoted:
"I wanted to visit Marrakech long since, and I took the opportunity to do
it while it is hosting an international race meeting. I have to say that
I was impressed by the track and facilities they have built, which are
very nice and suit the WTCC well. My congratulations to the event
promoter".
The F1 chief executive had been asked recently in Shanghai about rumors that the race could now drop off the calendar, despite it being a crucial market for carmakers and sponsors.
"The contract is ongoing here. We renew every five years. It will go on..."
However, a Reuters media report on Friday predicted that contract negotiations will be "fierce," after the event recorded "huge losses" over the last seven years.
But race promoter Juss Events' Leon Sun sounded confident that a deal will be struck.
"It hasn't been announced because there are still a few technical issues to be sorted out, but we're in good shape. It looks good at the moment.
We've got until October this year to sort it out, but I'm confident that we'll have something before that."
