The Formula One season will be the longest ever with 23 races this year organisers announced on Tuesday despite failing to find a replacement for The China Grand Prix.
Formula One chiefs had been searching for a stand-in since they announced in December the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix for the fourth successive year citing continuing problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Portugal and Turkey had been rumoured as potential replacements as both have experience hosting a Grand Prix.
The specialist press also reported that China had tried to regain its place due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
However, Formula One issued a statement on Tuesday saying the schedule would remain at 23 races leaving a large gap between the third race, the Australian Grand Prix on April 2, and the Azerbaijan race, on April 30.
“Formula 1 can confirm the 2023 season will consist of 23 races. All existing race dates on the calendar remain unchanged."
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will kick off his bid for a third successive driver’s title in Bahrain on March 5.
Confirmed schedule for the 2023 Formula One season finalised on Tuesday:
March 5: Bahrain, Sakhir
March 19: Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
April 2: Australia, Melbourne
April 30: Azerbaïjan, Baku
May 7: Miami, Miami
May 21: Emilia-Romagna, Imola
May 28: Monaco, Monaco
June 4: Spain, Barcelona
June 18: Canada, Montreal
July 2: Austria, Spielberg
July 9: British, Silverstone
July 23: Hungary, Budapest
July 30: Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps
August 27: Netherlands, Zandvoort
September 3: Italy, Monza
September 17: Singapore, Singapore
September 24: Japan, Suzuka
October 8: Qatar, Losail
October 22: United States, Austin
October 29: Mexico, Mexico City
November 5: Brazil, Sao Paulo
November 19: Las Vegas, Las Vegas
November 26: Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)