LONDON (UK) – The spread of the pandemic has once again forced Formula One to alter their 2021 calendar with the Australian Grand Prix postponed from March to November. Bahrain opens the season and China’s race is in limbo.
Bahrain’s race will be held on March 28 and Italy’s Imola circuit has been added to the record 23-round schedule as the second race on April 18.
The third slot on May 2 is yet to be confirmed. It is expected to be filled by the circuit in Portugal’s Algarve, which made its debut last year.
Australia was given a new date of Nov. 21 and the season opener would be held in Melbourne.
The race in Shanghai was postponed because of ongoing travel curbs.
Formula One has hinted that if circumstances are favourable, China would be given a slot. The calendar will not extend beyond 23 races.
The Australian and Chinese races were cancelled last year as the pandemic upset the sporting calendar and the season was reduced to just 17 grands prix in Europe and the Middle East.
“We are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged,” Formula One’s new chief executive Stefano Domenicali said on Tuesday.
“The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return and we have the experience and plans in place to deliver on our season.
“It is great news that we have already been able to agree a rescheduled date for the Australian Grand Prix in November and are continuing to work with our Chinese colleagues to find a solution to race there in 2021 if something changes.”