F1 Reveals Expansion For 2008 Calendar

The F1 season has been increased to 18 Grands Prix for 2008 with Australia
remaining as the opening race despite claims to the contrary by the Melbourne
circuit.

The hierarchy at Melbourne stated last week that the Australian Grand Prix
would appear further down the calendar in favour of beginning the season at
Bahrain.

However, the release of next year’s official F1 calendar by the motorsport
governing body the FIA indicates that Melbourne will continue to kick off the F1
season.

The 2008 calendar includes two new street races in Valencia and Singapore
although both are conditional on the circuits being approved by the FIA.

The Canadian race on 8th June is also listed as provisional pending
contractual confirmation.

The schedule released by the FIA does not indicate whether Singapore will be
a night race – as has been discussed so it is held at a time more convenient for
European TV viewers.