Formula 1 Revised Schedule for 2009

The Chinese Grand Prix isn't likely to run on so much season-finale drama next year, as the World Motor Sport Council agreed on yesterday to move the Shanghai race from late October to mid-April, therefore becoming the third round of the 2009 Formula 1 calendar.

Thanks to the new change, Formula 1 drivers could start their after-season vacation earlier, with the season finale Abu Dhabi scheduled on November the 1st (a week earlier than initially decided). We're not sure if this will be the last modification brought to the F1 calendar next year, but we do know some fans that wish it wouldn't.

Despite several talks between Canadian officials – including high-ranked politicians – and Formula One supreme Bernie Ecclestone, Canada is still missing from next year's calendar. Although Canadian media channels reported that last Friday would be the day all F1 fans will learn about the Canadian GP fate, an official statement from either of the two parties was yet to be issued.

Until then, the new version of the 2009 calendar includes a new season finale – Abu Dhabi – and keeps the Turkish Grand Prix in early July, as previously scheduled. With the French Grand Prix still out of discussion for next year, the championship will have only 17 stops in 2009 (9 European and 8 non-European). Here's how it looks after its latest modification:

29/03   Australia
05/04   Malaysia
19/04   China
26/04   Bahrain
10/05   Spain
24/05   Monaco
07/06   Turkey
21/06   Great Britain
12/07   Germany
26/07   Hungary
23/08   Europe (Valencia)
30/08   Belgium
13/09   Italy
27/09   Singapore
04/10   Japan
18/10   Brazil
01/11   Abu Dhabi