China off the grid for 2022

FORMULA ONE

THE Chinese Grand Prix will sit out the Formula One season for the third year in a row, with Imola taking over the vacated slot on April 24, 2022, subject to agreeing terms. Ironically, China are worried about F1 personnel spreading Covid. As Sportsmail reported on Wednesday, the season will be a record 23 races long, with the inaugural Miami Grand Prix taking place on May 8, after the FIA World Motorsport Council ratified the schedule yesterday. In a break with tradition, the Monaco race will be held over three days rather than the usual four. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is due to be held on July 3. China could be added at a later stage if a vacancy comes open and the Chinese authorities are willing to submit themselves to F1’s arrival in Shanghai.