2016 F1 dates confirmedposted in F101 | 10 | 2015
A NEW, FINALISED version of the 2016 Formula One calendar has been released by the FIA, and in addition to confirming there will be 21 grands prix, it also reinstates the three-week summer break in August.
Australia has also been confirmed as the season opener, having been moved forward from April 3 — as it appeared on the draft schedule — to March 20.
The British Grand Prix has been pushed into July, meaning it will now clash with Wimbledon singles' final weekend.
The 21-race calendar also sees the introduction of the European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, the reinstatement of Germany after a year out, and the first new-generation Mexico GP.
Related: Hamilton dominates in Japan
Azerbaijan's debut race has been moved from July 17 to June 19 which means it clashes with the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The FIA says the start time for the Baku race will be "scheduled to avoid conflict" with the conclusion of the legendary French endurance event.
Seven races have had a change of date from the previous version, with the calendar being rubber-stamped following a World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris.
China has swapped places with Bahrain, with the season-opening Australian GP now two weeks ahead of the second round.
There are six back-to-back races - Canada/Europe (Baku), Austria/Britain, Hungary/Germany, Belgium/Italy, Malaysia/Japan and Mexico/Brazil.
Hungary has been brought forward into July to allow for a three-week break in August, something the teams requested to allow their staff to have a mid-season break.
Formula One — 2016 Calendar:
1. March 20 - Australia
2. April 3 - Bahrain
3. April 17 - China
4. May 1 - Russia
5. May 15 - Spain
6. May 29 - Monaco
7. June 12 - Canada
8. June 19 - Europe (Baku)
9. July 3 - Austria
10. July 10 - Britain
11. July 24 - Hungary
12. July 31 - Germany
13. Aug 28 - Belgium
14. Sept 4 - Italy
15. Sept 18 - Singapore
16. Oct 2 - Malaysia
17. Oct 9 - Japan
18. Oct 23 - USA
19. Nov 6 - Mexico
20. Nov 13 - Brazil
21. Nov 27 - Abu Dhabi
Related: Grosjean switches to Haas for 2016
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Jim McGill