If you thought Formula One surpremo Bernie Ecclestone is getting close to retirement you better think again.

The 78-year-old, who is facing a costly divorce from his wife Slavica, insists he has no plans to relinquish the most powerful position in F1

"Never, never, never," he told the Gulf News in an interview, "the first day I won't be going into work is the day they will be lowering me into my grave. And that won't be for a long time to come. I feel as fit as a fiddle."

Ecclestone believes the sport will only go from strength to strength, despite concerns that many circuits are struggling to meet financial demands.

Chinese Grand Prix officials indicated earlier this week that they are considering scrapping the loss-making race when the contract expires in 2010 due to tumbling ticket sales.

Ecclestone, though, says the sport has a healthy future, saying: "I can't believe there isn't a country in the world that doesn't want a Grand Prix. If you could see the list of request I have in my office you'd hardly believe it. It is mind-boggling."

The F1 supremo also gave his backing to the newly developed tracks in the Middle East, saying he is confident the Abu Dhabi project will be a major success.

"I have made my judgements and lived or perished by them. I have moved our sport into areas some people thought would never work," he added.

"Bahrain is one and a fantastic success story that is and there is Abu Dhabi to come at the end of next year. When Bahrain approached me I was more than happy, and ready, to give them the go-ahead.

"They spent US$150m and it took six months to complete the project. But what they have is an exciting state-of-the-art set-up that is great for spectators, teams and VIPs alike.

"It will be the same, I am certain, with the Abu Dhabi project. I must confess my conditions of contract are pretty strict but we are running a fantastic sport that demands the best of everything."