Reassured race promoters have allowed Formula 1 to return to a “level of normality” in organising the provisional 2021 calendar.
As we reported earlier today, F1 is set for the longest championship in history next year with a record 23 races expected, starting in Australia on March 21 and ending in Abu Dhabi on December 5.
Notably absent is the Vietnam Grand Prix, with its April date set to be taken by another venue at a later date.
While the Brazilian GP is set to stay at Interlagos for one more year and the Spanish GP also remains pending a final agreement with Liberty Media.
The Dutch GP also makes its delayed return on September 5 at Zandvoort, while the inaugural Saudi Arabian GP is pencilled in for November 28, forming a season-ending doubleheader with Abu Dhabi.
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“The plans for 2021 have involved extensive dialogue with all promoters and their local and national authorities at a time of ongoing fluidity related to the global pandemic,” read an F1 statement on Tuesday, acknowledging the continued threat from Covid-19.
”Formula 1 and the FIA put in place robust health and safety measures to allow the revised 2020 season to restart and run effectively.
“Our hosts for 2021 are reassured by our safe return to racing this season and confident that the plans and procedures we have in place will allow us to return to a level of normality for the 2021 season.
“As we have said before, we expect fans to return for the 2021 season and for the calendar to look similar to the originally planned 2020 season. We will continue to work closely with our promoters and partners and look forward to the start of the season on the 21st March 2021 in Australia.”
That sentiment was shared by outgoing CEO Chase Carey, who’ll be replaced by ex-Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali in January.
“We are pleased to announce the 2021 Formula 1 provisional calendar after extensive conversations with our promoters, the teams and the FIA,” he commented.
“We are planning for 2021 events with fans that provide an experience close to normal and expect our agreements to be honoured.
“We have proven that we can safely travel and operate our races and our promoters increasingly recognise the need to move forward and manage the virus. In fact, many hosts actually want to use our event as a platform to show the world they are moving forward.
“We are delighted to see Saudi Arabia become part of the schedule and are equally excited to return to the venues we hoped to race at in 2020.
“We want to thank all our promoters and partners for their ongoing enthusiasm and collaboration and look forward to giving our fans an exciting season on the track.”
The full provisional calendar can be seen below: