Formula 1 publishes 21-race draft calendar for 2019

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Formula 1 has announced a draft 21-race calendar for 2019, with the German Grand Prix confirmed to be part of next year's schedule.

The number of races equals the amount of rounds enjoyed by F1 fans in 2016 and 2018, with eleven races to take place in Europe, , five in Asia, four in the Americas and one in Australia.

Grand Prix racing's festivities will begin in Melbourne on March 17 and finish in Abu Dhabi on December 1. The season will also see Formula 1's milestone 1000 Grand Prix, an honor bestowed upon the organizers of the Chinese Grand prix scheduled on April 14.

After extensive discussions and capitalizing on the success of this year's event, the promoters of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim have reached a new agreement with FOM, thanks also to the support of Mercedes and the country's Federal Minister of Transportation and Digital Infrastructure.

Formula 1 also announced that Suzuka had extended its deal to host the Japanese Grand Prix for an additional three years, with the race set to take place until 2021.

"The renewal of the Japanese Grand Prix and the confirmation of the German Grand Prix are both examples of our direction to place fans at the heart of Formula 1, a vision shared with all our promoters," said F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches.

2019 Race Calendar

Round	Race	Date
1	Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne)	17 March
2	Bahrain Grand Prix (Sakhir)	31 March
3	Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)	14 April
4	Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku)	28 April
5	Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona)	12 May
6	Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo)	26 May
7	Canadian Grand Prix (Montreal)	9 June
8	French Grand Prix (Le Castellet)	23 June
9	Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg)	30 June
10	British Grand Prix (Silverstone)	14 July
11	German Grand Prix (Hockenheim)	28 July
12	Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest)	4 August
13	Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)	1 September
14	Italian Grand Prix (Monza)	8 September
15	Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay)	22 September
16	Russian Grand Prix (Sochi)	29 September
17	Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)	13 October
19	Mexican Grand Prix (Mexico City)	27 October
18	United States Grand Prix (Austin)	3 November
20	Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos)	17 November
21	Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)	1 December

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.