According to reports in the Italian press Formula One is set for a nineteen-race schedule next season with yet another new venue added to the list, Turkey’s Istanbul slotted in for the end of July.
The new calendar, that was distributed around the Spa-Francorchamps paddock is yet to be officially confirmed, a formal vote by FIA World Council needed before it is officially released, however the Gazzetta dello Sport cited the 2005 calendar as follows:
Round 1. March 6th - Australia
Round 2. March 20th - Malaysia
Round 3. April 3rd - Bahrain
Round 4. April 17th - Imola
Round 5. April 24th - Europe (Nurburgring)
Round 6. May 8th - Spain
Round 7. May 22nd - Monaco
Round 8. June 5th - Canada
Round 9. June 12th - USA
Round 10. June 26th - France
Round 11. July 3rd - Britain
Round 12. July 17th - Germany
Round 13. July 31st - Turkey
Round 14. August 21st - Hungary
Round 15. September 4th - Belgium
Round 16. September 11th - Italy
Round 17. September 25th - China
Round 18. October 9th - Japan
Round 19. October 23rd - Brazil
Some teams have already spoken out on the thought of a nineteen-race season, stating it is way too much. This year consists of 18 rounds and ahs proven to be very demanding. However, FOM chief Bernie Ecclestone has agreed to cut back on the number of events, stating that he would gladly drop Silverstone and Imola to reduce the numbers if the teams so desired.
;)
