JAKARTA - The 2021 Formula 1 calendar is likely to be rewritten. This is because two of the first three races are in danger of being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the return of a number of circuits will help fill the void in slots like last year.
F1 released an interim schedule in November last year with Australia occupying the opening series slot on March 21, followed one week later by Bahrain and China on April 11.
The host of the fourth series has yet to be determined, scheduled for April 25 where Vietnam should be rationed.
The Australian Grand Prix is in danger of being postponed, with sources saying competing teams agreed to the changes last week.
Meanwhile, Chinese promoters are trying the possibility of holding the Grand Prix later this year.
Bahrain could host the opening series through a night race at Sakhir and the Algarve Circuit in Portugal is likely to take China's slot, followed by a race at the Imola Circuit, Italy, Reuters said.
Portimao staged a Grand Prix for the first time last year and Imola has returned to host since the last F1 race was in 2006.
The F1 spokesman said organizers hoped to stage 23 races this year, with Saudi Arabia adding new destinations.
F1 planned to host 22 races last year but only 17 series could be played after the calendar was overhauled due to the global health crisis, with Australia and a number of countries canceling hosting.
The Chinese GP in Shanghai was the first F1 race to be postponed in February before being canceled.
The start of the 2020 season was delayed until July. Teams operate in a closely watched bubble and races are held behind closed doors.
"We have proven that in 2020 we can return to racing safely and have plans and procedures in place to do it again and we look forward to starting our season in March," said an F1 spokesman.
Other world racing championships have planned to change their schedules due to restrictions due to the pandemic.
Formula E racing postponed their opening series due in Chile in January after the South American nation closed its borders to all arrivals from Britain, where teams are based, and will now kick off the season in Saudi Arabia at the end of February.
Seven of the 10 F1 teams are based in the UK, who are now implementing a national lockdown for the third time because they are overwhelmed with the increase in COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile the world championship rally starts in Monte Carlo later this month but has changed little when Belgium will replace England in this year's calendar.
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