No races have yet been attributed to the 19 dates, although the British Grand Prix is certain to move from its current date, if only by a week.

This year’s Silverstone race takes place on July 11 after being put back a week to avoid a clash with the Wimbledon men’s final, as well as the final of Euro 2004. No race is scheduled for that weekend in 2005.

The release of 19 dates is by no means confirmation of 19 grands prix next season, although talk at Indianapolis two weeks ago suggested a second United States race was under consideration.

The FIA have also confirmed their intention to cut speeds in Formula One - with or without agreement from teams.

Lap times at some circuits have increased by over six seconds in seven years, leading to fears safety may be compromised if that trend is allowed to continue.

The FIA will ask teams to propose a solution which will drastically cut speeds, but if no agreement is reached, they have the power to impose new rules in time for the 2005 season.

In a statement, they said: “The World Motor Sport Council discussed the current performance level of Formula One cars noting that recent accidents have tested the absolute limits of the FIA’s latest safety measures and that speeds have increased very significantly over the last seven years.”

Elsewhere at the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council meeting, a world touring car championship was approved, with the series to start next year and feature a round in Britain at Donington Park on May 8.