Mugello set to host maiden Grand Prix on September 13

©Ferrari

Mugello is set to be added to the 2020 F1 calendar, with the Ferrari-owned circuit expected to host the ninth round of the world championship on September 13.

Mugello suggested its candidacy to F1 last spring to help the latter expand a 2020 schedule severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The track, located in Tuscany just 40km north of Florence, was given the thumbs up as an F1 venue by Sebastian Vettel who tested with Ferrari at the 5.2 km circuit ahead of the start of the 2020 season.

According to a report from Motorsport.com, the Mugello event will bookend a triple header that will begin on August 30 at Spa, continue at Monza on September 6 and conclude a week later at Mugello.

Todt: 2020 season will include 'significantly more' than eight races

In Austria last weekend, FIA president Jean Todt alluded to "significantly more" races being added to the sport's current agenda.

The Russian Grand Prix at Sochi is now expected to retain its original September 27 date, but the chances of re-instating the Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal in October appear slim due to the likelihood of the event basking in poor weather at that period.

However, Canada's pain is likely to be Portimao's gain, with F1 topping off its European stint with a race at the Portuguese venue.

China and Vietnam's importance to Formula 1 means that those countries have a strong chance of being added to the sport's calendar, although the former has indicated "in principle" that no major events will take place in the country this year.

F1's chiefs are still considering their options for the US, Mexican and Brazilian rounds, with Austin and Sao Paulo still heavily impacted by the coronavirus.

Bahrain is still on course to host a double header on November 29 and December 6, with the season concluding as scheduled in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

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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.