Baku included on provisional 2016 calendar

Formula One racing’s governing body the FIA has released the provisional schedule for next year’s world championship, with 21 rounds listed, including the inaugural race in Baku, Azerbaijan, in July.

The 2016 season is set to kick off later than usual, with the Australian opener on April 3, while Russia’s Sochi race moves forward from its current October slot to May 1. Malaysia shifts to the latter end of the year, back to back with Singapore, while Germany returns in July after its 2015 absence. The campaign is due to conclude in Abu Dhabi on November 27.

The provisional calendar in full:

April 3 - Australia
April 10 - China
April 24 - Bahrain
May 1 - Sochi
May 15 - Spain
May 29 - Monaco
June 12 - Canada
June 26 - UK
July 3 - Austria
July 17 - Baku
July 31 - Germany
August 7 - Hungary
August 28 - Belgium
September 4 - Italy
September 18 - Singapore
September 25 - Malaysia
October 9 - Japan
October 23 - USA (Austin)
October 30 - Mexico
November 13 - Brazil
November 27 - Abu Dhabi