New Formula One calendar could feature 21 races

Thu, 05 Sep, 2013 - 14:42

Formula One is poised for a record-breaking 21-race campaign in 2014.

A draft of the provisional calendar, seen by Press Association Sport, has been circulated to teams this week ahead of a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council scheduled to take place in Dubrovnik later this month.

For the second successive year it appears there will be no grand prix in New Jersey, despite recent claims to the contrary made by promoter Leo Hindery Jnr and despite it being a dream of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Instead, Mexico has a November 9 slot – the country’s first race in 22 years - to run back to back with the United States Grand Prix, with Brazil again closing the season with a standalone event on November 30.

Mexico’s return, however, is dependent on the old Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez being given a major makeover to ensure it is race-ready.

Russia is also slated to make its debut on October 19, but again that is dependent on the track at Sochi being developed in time.

The return of Austria at the Red Bull Ring has been switched from July 6, a date now occupied by Silverstone, to June 22.

The season will again begin at Melbourne’s Albert Park on March 16, despite suggestions earlier this year that Bahrain would open proceedings a fortnight earlier.

Korea has been brought forward from October to an April date and will come immediately after the race in China, although the Korean race is reliant on a new contract being agreed with with Ecclestone.

:: Formula One 2014 draft calendar

Mar 16 – Australia (Melbourne)

Mar 23 – Malaysia (Sepang)

Apr 6 – China (Shanghai)

Apr 13 – Korea* (Korea International Circuit)

Apr 27 – Bahrain (Sakhir)

May 11 – Spain (Barcelona)

May 25 – Monaco (Monaco)

Jun 8 – Canada (Montreal)

Jun 22 – Austria (Red Bull Ring)

Jul 6 – Britain (Silverstone)

Jul 20 – Germany (Hockenheim)