Dates set for 2017 Singapore Grand Prix
The 10th edition of the Singapore Grand Prix will be held next year from Sept 15 to 17, remaining in its usual slot after Italy.
However, Germany has been dropped from the 2017 Formula 1 calendar, despite the dominance of Mercedes and the country's new world champion Nico Rosberg, after the race was axed for financial reasons.
While that move will dismay German fans, there was a more welcome change in the renamed Azerbaijan Grand Prix (previously known as the European Grand Prix) being pushed back to June 25 to avoid a clash with the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar classic.
Races in Brazil and Canada, whose fate had also been left open on the draft calendar, were confirmed on the 20-round official version published by the governing International Automobile Federation yesterday morning (Singapore time).
There were a record 21 races this year.
Germany's absence had been expected with the Nuerburgring unwilling to pay hosting fees and Hockenheim, which drew a mere 57,000-strong crowd this year, reluctant to lose money in successive seasons.
Hockenheim, however, does have a contract for 2018 when the race is expected to return.
Malaysia is paired with Japan rather than Singapore.
The draft calendar had envisaged Malaysia preceding Singapore. - REUTERS
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