Formula 1 looks set to begin the season with two double-header rounds in Austria and at Silverstone, as a provisional support category timetable hints at 2020’s condensed European leg.
Autosport has learned that teams from FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 were given a draft provisional calendar in an online meeting on Monday of this week – with all rounds in support of F1.
Furthermore, Autosport understands that the provisional calendar kicks off with the two Austrian events at the Red Bull Ring, which Formula 1 is hoping to run on the 5 July and 12 July weekends, followed by rounds at Silverstone on the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August.
The two Silverstone rounds would be part of a triple-header of rounds and held without any fans in attendance, with the third currently set to be between the Barcelona circuit and Hockenheim – which is known to be in discussions with F1 about a late reprieve to the calendar.
A second triple header provisionally consisting of races at the Hungaroring, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza is set to span the end of August and the start of September, before F2 heads with F1 to Baku and Sochi.
Any rounds in Hungary would be held behind closed doors as the government has put restrictions on large gatherings – while Belgium is currently under a similar ruling.
However, rumours suggest Spa could be moved to a later 13 September date, which could push back the Baku and Sochi rounds touted on the following weeks.
The two junior series would reunite in the Middle East in December, as F1 looks set to end the 2020 season with rounds in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
There has also been speculation of a second Bahrain race.
As a result, the Macau Grand Prix looks set to lose its status as an end-of-season FIA Formula 3 showcase due to the coronavirus-enforced changes.
Autosport understands the provisional support calendar presented to the teams to be as follows:
4-5 July Red Bull Ring
11-12 July Red Bull Ring
25-26 July Silverstone
1-2 August Silverstone
8-9 August Hockenheim or Barcelona
22-23 August Hungaroring
29-30 August Spa
5-6 September Monza
19-20 September Baku (F2 only)
26-27 September Sochi (F2 only)
5-6 December Bahrain
12-13 December Yas Marina
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