London, Sep 21 (IANS): Formula 1 on Tuesday announced a 24-race calendar for the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship, the longest season in recent times which stretches from early March to late November and includes races in China, Qatar and Las Vegas.
The calendar approved by the World Motor Sport Council, kicks off in Bahrain on March 5 and concludes in Abu Dhabi on November 26, the season will feature a record-breaking 24 races, with China and Qatar set to return, and Las Vegas arriving as the penultimate round for a Saturday night race.
The traditional summer break will remain in August, though changes to race dates see Belgium move to the end of July as a back-to-back with Hungary, while the Netherlands is twinned with Italy after the restart, said a report on the f1 website.
Speaking of the announcement of the calendar, Formula 1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali said: "We are excited to announce the 2023 calendar with 24 races around the world. Formula 1 has unprecedented demand to host races and it is important we get the balance right for the entire sport.
"We are very pleased with the strong momentum Formula 1 continues to experience and it is great news that we will be able to bring our passionate fans a mix of exciting new locations such as Las Vegas to the Championship with much-loved venues across Europe, Asia and the Americas."
"The presence of 24 races on the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is further evidence of the growth and appeal of the sport on a global scale" FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying by the organisation in a release.
"The addition of new venues and the retention of traditional events underlines the FIA's sound stewardship of the sport. I am delighted that we will be able to take Formula 1's new era of exciting racing, created by the FIA's 2022 Regulations, to a broader fan base in 2023.
"In framing the 2023 F1 calendar, WMSC Members have also been mindful of the timing of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans," he said.
The 2023 calendar:
Mar 5: Bahrain
Mar 19: Saudi Arabia
Apr 02: Australia
Apr 16: China
Apr 30: Azerbaijan
May 07: USA, Miami
May 21: Italian GP, Imola
May 28: Monaco
Jun 04: Spain
Jun 18: Canada
Jul 02: Austria
Jul 09: UK, Silverstone
Jul 23: Hungary
Jul 30: Belgium
Aug 27: Netherlands
Sep 03: Italy, Monza
Sep 17: Singapore
Sep 24: Japan
Oct 08: Qatar
Oct 22: USA, Austin
Oct 29: Mexico
Nov 05: Brazil
Nov 18: Las Vegas
Nov 26: Abu Dhabi