Number of GPs stays at 21 for 2019
ST PETERSBURG: Formula One’s 21-race calendar for 2019 has been approved, with Melbourne as usual hosting the seasonopening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 17.
Governing body FIA said after a meeting of its World Motor Sport Council in St Petersburg on Wednesday that 11 races would be held in Europe, five in Asia, four in the Americas and one in Australia.
The season will start one week earlier and finish one week later.
FIA said the cars would be heavier — with a weight limit increase from 740kg to 743kg — and that fuel handling procedures during testing are to be the same as during racing.
There will also be more clarity on how grid positions are formed when drivers are hit with multiple engine penalties. Typically, drivers who have made several unauthorised engine-part changes are hit with a penalty of 20-25 places — which sends them to the back of the grid.
But it can be confusing to understand who’s starting from where and from how far back if several of the 20 drivers have the same penalty imposed.
SCHEDULE
March 17: Australia, Melbourne
March 31: Bahrain, Sakhir
April 14: China, Shanghai
April 28: Azerbaijan, Baku
May 12: Spain, Barcelona
May 26: Monaco June 9: Canada, Montreal
June 23: France, Le Castellet
June 30: Austria, Spielberg
July 14: Britain, Silverstone
July 28: Germany, Hockenheim
Aug. 4: Hungary, Budapest
Sept 1: Belgium, Spa
Sept 8: Italy, Monza
Sept 22: Singapore
Sept 29: Russia, Sochi
Oct 13: Japan, Suzuka
Oct 27: Mexico City
Nov 3: United States, Austin
Nov 17: Brazil, Sao Paulo
Dec 1: Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina