F1 gears up for busiest ever season
Formula One is braced for its most hectic season ever in 2006 after the FIA reserved 20 dates for next season.
With Mexico set to be added to the calendar next year with a race in Cancun, Formula One will be busier than ever, prompting an unprecedented triple-header in June 2006.
Dates on three consecutive weekends have been set aside for grands prix, presumably the three North American rounds in Montreal, Indianapolis and Cancun.
The 2006 season will start, as has become tradition, on March 12 although the regular curtain-raiser in Australia is uncertain as Melbourne hosts the Commonwealth Games from March 15.
Aside from the unique triple-header, there are five other back-to-back races on the planned calendar, which finishes on October 22.
The draft calendar is by no means certain to be enforced, with teams only obliged to race in 17 grands prix, with an 18th mentioned in their contracts providing sufficient compensation is offered.
Teams agreed to a 19th race this season but for commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone to extend the calendar further, an agreement would be needed with the 10 teams.
:: 2006 FORMULA ONE DRAFT CALENDAR
Mar 12
Mar 19
Apr 2
Apr 16
May 14
May 28
Jun 4
Jun 18
Jun 25
Jul 2
Jul 16
Jul 30
Aug 6
Aug 27
Sep 10
Sep 17
Oct 1
Oct 15
Oct 22
