Valencia hopes to stage 34th America's Cup

Barbera, however, acknowledged that if Oracle wins then the event could return to the United States.

The Spanish port of Valencia, which is provisionally scheduled to hold the 33rd America's Cup event in February, also hopes to stage the 34th edition, the city's mayor said Thursday.

- If it's possible, we will have the 34th - Rita Berbera told Spanish media.

She said she hopes to discuss the possibility with the owners of Swiss defender Alinghi and US challenger Oracle.

The two teams on Tuesday announced an agreement in principle to hold their best-of-three duel in Valencia in February to decide the 33rd edition, after more than two years of legal wrangling.

However, New York Supreme Court Judge Shirley Kornreich is to hear from experts on Friday to decide whether the event can take place in Valencia at that time of year, when the weather conditions can be unpredictable.

The 34th edition, which would be a traditional regatta involving several teams, is not expected to take place until 2012 or 2013.

Valencia staged the 32nd America's Cup, won by Alinghi, in July 2007.

Barbera, however, acknowledged that if Oracle wins then the event could return to the United States.