Provisional 21 races announced for 2017 and rule changes

[nevill3]

The FIA have announced that there is to be 21 races once again next year.

A provisional timetable with three races subject to confirmation was published after a World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting.

Provisional calendar

26 March – Australia (Melbourne)
9 April – China (Shanghai)
16 April – Bahrain (Bahrain)
30 April – Russia (Sochi)
14 May – Spain (Barcelona)
28 May – Monaco (Monte Carlo)
11 June – Canada (Montreal)*
18 June – Azerbaijan (Baku)
2 July – Austria (Spielberg)
9 July – United Kingdom (Silverstone)
23 July – Hungary (Budapest)
30 July – Germany (Hockenheim)*
27 August – Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
3 September – Italy (Monza)
17 September – Malaysia (Sepang)
1 October - Singapore (Singapore)
8 October – Japan (Suzuka)
22 October – USA (Austin)
5 November – Mexico (Mexico City)
12 November – Brazil (Sao Paulo)*
26 November – United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)

Also a few tweaks to the rules means that the loophole for stockpiling engines and componebts has been closed and there will be a standing start after a wet weather safety car start (The safety car will return to the grid once it is deemed safe to race and the cars will form up on the grid for a "restart".

Source Fia Provisional calendar

I like this amendment because it rewards driver skill rather than negating the excitement of a normal start by the cars forming a train with the pole sitter dictating the pace in the final stages after the safety car has peeled off.