FIA confirms 2020 F1 calendar and reduced test schedule

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The FIA's World Motor Sport Council ratified Formula 1's 2020 calendar on Friday and also confirmed a reduction of the sport's pre-season test schedule.

Next year's 22-race agenda will be the biggest in Grand Prix racing's history, kicking off in Melbourne on March 15 and ending in Abu Dhabi on November 29.

While the German Grand Prix has fallen the calendar, Hanoi on April 5 and Zandvoort on May 3 have bene added to the schedule, with F1 returning to the latter for the first time since 1985.

'Not much time' to get Hanoi ready, admits Tilke

However, both events are subject to circuit homologation by the FIA.

The WMSC also debated a number of changes to the 2020 Sporting Regulations, with discussions likely centered around F1's desire to experiment with qualifying races or reverse grids at certain races.

These provisions will be formally proposed to the Council for a decision by e-vote at a later date.

Finally, it was also confirmed that next year's pre-season test schedule shall include two three-day tests that will take place in Barcelona from February 19-21 and from February 26-28.

This marks a reduction compared to previous years when pre-season testing was comprised of two four-day tests.

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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.