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FIA reveals 2017 F1 race calendar

London - Three of the 21 grands prix scheduled for 2017 have been given only provisional status on the newly-published race calendar.

On the whole, there are a few surprises and no new hosts on the schedule, with June's Baku race is set to clash once again with the fabled Le Mans.

But Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly unhappy with organisers of Montreal's popular race, and the FIA confirmed the Canadian GP's provisional status.

'Negotiations to take place'

However, race spokesperson Sandrine Garneau-Bel insisted: "We aren't worried at all. It's business as usual for us." 

La Presse quotes Garneau-Bel as saying: "We have been working on the 2017 grand prix for some time. We asked for the date of June 11 and that's what we got." 

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However, promoter Octane did admit that tickets for the Montreal race are yet to go on sale because of "negotiations" with Ecclestone.

Brazilian GP organisers suprised

Another uncertain race is Hockenheim, with Ecclestone said to be negotiating for semi-promotional rights to safeguard the German GP.

And even Brazil has provisional status, amid rumours it is because of delayed circuit upgrades that are casting doubt on the Sao Paulo race.

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In a statement, organisers of the Interlagos event said they are "surprised" with the provisional status.

Brazilian media quoted the statement as saying: "There is a valid contract until 2020 and it will be rigorously complied with, as has always been the case in these last 45 years." 

Provisional 2017 F1 calendar:

1. Australia – March 26
2. China – April 9
3. Bahrain – April 16
4. Russia – April 30
5. Spain – May 14
6. Monaco – May 28
7. Canada – June 11*
8. Azerbaijan (European GP) – June 18
9. Austria – July 2
10. Britain – July 9
11. Hungary – July 23
12. Germany – July 30*
13. Belgium – August 27
14. Italy – September 3
15. Malaysia – September 17
16. Singapore – October 1
17. Japan – October 8
18. USA – October 22
19. Mexico – November 5
20. Brazil – November 12*
21. Abu Dhabi – November 26

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