The latest draft copy of the proposed F1 calendar for 2014 has done the rounds today in Monza.
If you have been keeping up to date with our recent articles (see here and here), there are not too many surprises, apart from the fact that it contains twenty one races rather than the expected maximum of twenty races. Question marks hang over several races however, and by the time the calendar is ratified in December we don’t expect there to be more than twenty races scheduled for 2014.
Key points from today’s draft calendar:
- The long-mooted second stateside race in New Jersey is missing from the 2014 calendar. The organisers have another year to try and raise the required funds in the hope of picking up a 2015 calendar berth.
- Mexico City has received a late season calendar slot as expected, though many in the paddock doubt that the circuit, which last hosted a race back in 1992, can be readied in time for a late 2014 race.
- Two races, Korea and Russia, are subject to confirmation. Korea is yet to sign a commercial agreement to hold its race. It has also been moved forward to an early season calendar berth back to back with China. Russia’s first race in Sochi will only go ahead subject to the settlement of a dispute between the race organisers and the country’s motorsport governing body.
- Austria gets a calendar spot, but a few weeks earlier than expect in late June.
- The Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Barcelona rather than cash-strapped Valencia.
Here is the latest draft of the 2014 F1 calendar as widely circulated today:
- 16 March Australia (Melbourne)
- 23 March: Malaysia (Sepang)
- 6 April: China (Shanghai)
- 13 April: Korea (Yeongam)*
- 27 April: Bahrain (Sakhir)
- 11 May: Spain (Barcelona)
- 25 May: Monaco (Monaco)
- 8 June: Canada (Montreal)
- 22 June: Austria (Redbullring)
- 6 July: Britain (Silverstone)
- 20 July: Germany (Hockenheim)
- 27 July: Hungary (Budapest)
- 24 August: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
- 7 September: Italy (Monza)
- 21 September: Singapore (Marina Bay)
- 5 October: Japan (Suzuka)
- 19 October: Russia (Sochi)*
- 26 October: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
- 9 November: Mexico (Mexico City)*
- 16 November: USA (Austin)
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