The FIA announced the race calendar for next year’s Formula 1 season. As expected the San Marino Grand Prix (Imola) and European Grand Prix (Nürburgring) are omitted. I won’t miss Imola. It’s not really one of my favorite circuits, but the promotors believe it will still take place in April, which would make it a 18 race season as it is this year. I like Nürburgring, but I also like Hockenheim, and I understand the two will alternate each year to host the German GP. The Belgium GP at Spa-Francorchamps is back! This is great news, since it is one of my favorite races (maybe my absolute favorite, along with Monza). The Japanese GP moves from Suzuka to Fuji. I will miss the 130R at Suzuka. I don’t remember enough about Fuji to say whether or not I like it. As usual, we (wife and I) will be in attendance at the USGP (and Hoosier BMWCCA car corral) in June. We’re planning a trip to Europe for the Italian and Belgium GPs, but that may not happen until 2008.

Update 19 September 2006
The San Marino GP (Imola) has been added back to the 2007 calendar, pending completion of changes (improvements) to the track. If the changes aren’t done in time, an alternate venue may take its place, but in any case we’re back to a 18 race calendar.

Update 29 November 2006
San Marino is off again.

The approved 2007 Formula 1 calendar:

Australia (Melbourne) — March 18
Malaysia (Sepang) — April 08
Bahrain (Sakhir) — April 15
Spain (Barcelona) — May 13
Monaco (Monte Carlo) — May 27
Canada (Montreal) — June 10
United States (Indianapolis) — June 17
France (Magny Cours) — July 01
United Kingdom (Silverstone) — July 08
Germany (Hockenheimring) — July 22
Hungary (Hungaroring) — August 05
Turkey (Istanbul) — August 26
Italy (Monza) — September 09
Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) — September 16
China (Shanghai) — September 30
Japan (Fuji) — October 07
Brazil (Interlagos) — October 21