JUNE 30, 2005

A calendar for 2006

Hidden away behind the smoke and mirrors of the World Council decisions and subsequent reactions, the FIA issued a calendar of 20 blocked dates for Formula 1 next year.

Hidden away behind the smoke and mirrors of the World Council decisions and subsequent reactions, the FIA issued a calendar of 20 blocked dates for Formula 1 next year. If there are races on the dates in question, it will be an increase in the number of races once again, which costs the teams more money. The teams say that they will race 17 times next year but are willing to negotiate if more money is on offer, although some of the team bosses have made the point that with 19 races this year, the crews are already worn out and next year there will need to be two crews to keep up the pace.

The blocked dates are as follows: March 12, March 19, April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14, May 28, June 4, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 16, July 30, August 6, August 27, September 10, September 17, October 1, October 15 and October 22. It is worth noting that the summer break has been maintained and that May is light on races because of the soccer World Cup but otherwise it is going to be a tough grind if all 20 dates are filled.