Monza (Italy), Sept 12: New races in Bahrain and China were officially confirmed on the 2004 Formula One calendar released here yesterday.
The 17-race list also featured Belgium's return after a one year absence. Bahrain will be the third race of the season on April 4 after Australia and Malaysia, while China will host the 15th of the 17 events on September 26.
Both Grands Prix are subject to the new circuits passing official inspections. The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps returns to the calendar after missing this year because of a ban on tobacco advertising.
The sport's governing body, the FIA, said the August 29 race is subject to formula one being exempt to local tobacco advertising laws.

The British and San Marino Grands Prix were also confirmed on a re-shuffled calendar. The British leg had been in doubt after F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone expressed concerns over the standard of facilities at Silverstone.



But backing from the British government has resulted in the race keeping its place on the calendar, with the event being held on July 4 - the same day as the Euro 2004 final and Wimbledon men's tennis final.



The San Marino event was also in doubt because of out-dated facilities at Imola, but the absence of the Canadian GP due to a ban on tobacco advertising has resulted in a stay of execution.


Bureau Report