F1 calendar taking shape

The 2007 Formula One calendar is taking shape after Bahrain revealed they will stage the third race, having opened the season this year.

Australian organisers last week claimed victory in their bid to host the opening grand prix of the season, in Melbourne on March 18.

A statement from the Bahrain organisers confirmed today they will be the third race of the season on April 15, with Malaysia holding on to second spot again.

Martin Whitaker, general manager of the Bahrain track, said: “Following a meeting with [Formula One chief] Bernie Ecclestone at the weekend, we have now been given a provisional date for the 2007 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix of April 15.

“This makes our race the third of the year with Australia opening the season on March 18 and Malaysia three weeks later on April 7.”

Other discussions over the weekend moved closer to removing one German race, with the Nurburgring and Hockenheim set to alternate hosting rights to allow the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps back on the calendar.

One other change has already been confirmed, with Fuji replacing Suzuka as host to the Japanese Grand Prix.