FIA finally approves Monaco date change -we knew about that two weeks ago!

well, finally they announce it after two weeks knowing about the change!!! Turkey is the cuprit for the change as I originally suspected. Bernie's given Donnington yet another "or else" date - nothing like the kid crying wolf - how many reprieves does this make??

Carol

autosport


The 2010 Formula 1 calendar has moved a step closer to its final form after the World Motor Sport Council approved the proposal to shift the Monaco Grand Prix forward by one week to 16 May.

The change means that the famous Monte Carlo street race takes place one week after the Spanish GP, and creates a clear two-week gap between Monaco and Istanbul.

F1 team bosses had been concerned that it would not be logistically possible to transport their equipment from Monte Carlo to Turkey in the one week gap listed on the provisional calendar. The ratification of this change removes the issues surrounding Turkey's date.

The FIA also announced that the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi grands prix were set to swap their current dates if the race promoters' approved, potentially making Abu Dhabi the season finale again.

The Canadian and British GPs still have question marks over them. The Montreal authorities are in the final stages of negotiations to rubber-stamp their race's return to the F1 schedule, while the championship's British round remains in limbo given the uncertainty over Donington Park's situation.

Bernie Ecclestone has given Donington until the end of this week to rectify a contractual breach and to guarantee that it has the finance for its revamp to go ahead. Silverstone is still waiting in the wings to reclaim the race should Donington's project fall through.

A statement from the WMSC said: "The FIA is expecting confirmation from Formula One Management about the grands prix in Canada and Britain shortly."

The definitive 2010 calendar will be announced in December.

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship

14/3 BRN Bahrain
28/3 AUS Australia
4/4 MAL Malaysia
18/4 CN China
9/5 E Spain
16/5 MC Monaco
30/5 TR Turkey
13/6 CDN Canada**
27/6 E Europe (Valencia)
11/7 GB Great Britain*
25/7 D Germany
1/8 H Hungary
29/8 B Belgium
12/9 I Italy
26/9 SGP Singapore
3/10 J Japan
17/10 ROK Korea*
31/10† UAE Abu Dhabi*
14/11† BR Brazil

*Subject to the homologation of the circuit.

**Subject to the completion of contract negotiations with Formula One Management.

†The FIA has approved in principle a proposal to swap the dates of the Abu Dhabi and Brazil grands prix, pending agreement with the promoters of both events.