FIA announces 21-race 2017 calendar

Cape Town - The FIA has released a provisional calendar for the 2017 Formula One season, which again features 21 grands prix.

Next season's calendar, which is still provisional, has only minor changes compared to this year's schedule with China and Bahrain swapping places.

Added to that the Malaysian Grand Prix will take place a month earlier in September while Mexico and Brazil will be back-to-back.

July remains the busiest month with four races; Austria, Britain, Hungary and Germany.

The latter, which is down to be hosted at the Hockenheimring, is subject to confirmation along with Canada and Brazil.

Provisional 2017 F1 calendar:

1. Australia – March 26
2. China – April 9
3. Bahrain – April 16
4. Russia – April 30
5. Spain – May 14
6. Monaco – May 28
7. Canada – June 11*
8. Azerbaijan (European GP) – June 18
9. Austria – July 2
10. Britain – July 9
11. Hungary – July 23
12. Germany – July 30*
13. Belgium – August 27
14. Italy – September 3
15. Malaysia – September 17
16. Singapore – October 1
17. Japan – October 8
18. USA – October 22
19. Mexico – November 5
20. Brazil – November 12*
21. Abu Dhabi – November 26

* subject to confirmation