LONDON: The German, Canadian and Brazilian grands prix were listed as subject to confirmation on a record-equalling 21-race provisional calendar for 2017 published by Formula One’s governing body yesterday.
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza, whose place had been doubtful up until this month’s race when a deal was agreed if not signed, was listed in its usual September slot after Belgium.
Germany remains uncertain due to Hockenheim’s stated reluctance to host a grand prix other than in alternate years and no deal with the Nuerburgring. The country’s race was dropped in 2015.
Formula One’s 85-year-old commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone has also been pushing for improvements to Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, whose contract is up for renewal next year, and the Interlagos track in Sao Paulo.
Brazil is also suffering its deepest economic recession in decades but local race organisers were taken aback by the development.
“The Brazilian Grand Prix Organisation took notice, with surprise, of the 2017 F1 WC Calendar which shows the race TBC (to be confirmed),” they said in a statement. “There is a contract in place until 2020, every provision of which will be complied with as it has been for the past 45 years.”
Ecclestone had warned in June that the 2017 calendar could be reduced to 18 races, although Monza was seen as one of those on the hit list at the time.
March 26: Australia (Melbourne)
April 9: China (Shanghai)
April 16: Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 30: Russia (Sochi)
May 14: Spain (Barcelona)
May 28: Monaco
June 11: Canada (Montreal)
June 18: Europe (Baku, Azerbaijan)
July 2: Austria (Red Bull Ring, Spielberg)
July 9: Great Britain (Silverstone)
July 23: Hungary (Hungaroring, Budapest)
July 30: Germany (Hockenheim)
August 27: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
September 3: Italy (Monza)
September 17: Malaysia (Sepang, Kuala Lumpur)
October 1: Singapore
October 8: Japan (Suzuka)
October 22: United States (Austin)
November 5: Mexico
November 12: Brazil (Interlagos, Sao Paolo)
November 26: Abu Dhabi (UAE)