Formula One has confirmed that the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix will be held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 15-17 September. Reigning F1 driver's champion Nico Rosberg will not have a home race next year as Germany has been axed from the calendar.
A total of 20 races has been provisionally confirmed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for next year's season, which is one less than the record 21 races held this year. The season will as usual start in Australia on 26 March and end in Abu Dhabi on 26 November Formula One said on Wednesday.
Also read: No Malaysia Grand Prix after 2018?
Germany GP, which was supposed to be at Nurburgring next season, will not be part of the calendar as the circuit is facing financial issues and is not in a position to pay the hosting fees. The 2016 race in Germany was hosted in Hockenheim, as the country has a biennial swap deal between the two venues. It is expected that the race in 2018 will return to Hockenheim circuit.
Hungary will now switch to 30 July slot, which had Germany hosting the F1 race.
Brazil has been added to the 20-race calendar but F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone reportedly revealed that he would be able to confirm the race in the South American country only in January. Also, Canadian Grand Prix, which was in doubt, has confirmed the hosting.
No Singapore-Malaysia Swap
While a provisional calendar issued in September, put Malaysia's race ahead of Singapore, the switching of venues is not part of the final version. Notably, both the countries have been apprehensive about extending their contracts.
Malaysia's tourism minister Nazri Abdul Aziz confirmed that the country has decided to scrap the Sepang race after its contract ends in 2018 as it was not a revenue generating option but was costing them quite a lot.
It was also reported that Singapore was unwilling to extend its contract beyond 2017 but the F1 chief remained positive about retaining the night race at the Marina Bay.
F1 2017 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)
25 June - Azerbaijan (Baku)
9 July - Austria (Spielberg)
16 July - Great Britain (Silverstone)
30 July - Hungary (Budapest)
27 August - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
3 September - Italy (Monza)
17 September - Singapore (Singapore)
1 October - Malaysia (Sepang)
8 October - Japan (Suzuka)
22 October - USA (Austin)
29 October - Mexico (Mexico City)
12 November - Brazil (Sao Paulo)
26 November - Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)
