Formula One Management (FOM) has dismissed a leaked copy of the 2016 calendar, insisting it has yet to be approved internally or by the FIA.
The proposed calendar confirms a later start date of April 3rd for the Australian Grand Prix, whilst Russia has moved from the end of the year to the start, taking place after Bahrain as the fourth round.
The calendar also includes the new European GP in Baku, Azerbaijan, in mid-July between the Austrian and German races.
The inclusion of Italy – a race which was doubtful for 2016 – pushes the calendar up to 21 events. Should that happen, it would break a record for the most F1 events in a year, previously set in 2012 when the calendar stretched to 20.
As has become the norm over the past few years, the season ends in Abu Dhabi on November 27th.
However this has all yet to be confirmed according to FOM which stated the following: “It would appear that the proposed 2016 calendar has been leaked. This calendar has not yet been approved.”
