The GP2 series has confirmed its calendar for 2016, with eleven rounds and two pre-season tests set to take place this year.
The schedule features eight European rounds and three flyaway events, including a race in Azerbaijan and a return to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. They replace races in Bahrain and Russia.
Prior to the season opener, two three-day tests will take place. The first, from the 9-11 March, will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The second will see cars take to the Jerez track from the 29-31 March.
The GP2 season will get underway on the 13-15 May at the Barcelona track in Spain, before rounds in Monaco, the new Baku street circuit in Azerbaijan, the Red Bull Ring in Austria and Silverstone in Great Britain.
GP2, which is a support series for F1, will then compete in Hungary and Germany before the summer break. The racing returns in Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps, before moving onto another legendary track, Monza in Italy.
The series returns to Malaysia and the Sepang circuit from the 31 September to the 2 October, having last raced in the country in 2013. The finale takes place in Abu Dhabi at the end of November.
"This year again, our calendar is a mix of racing on Formula 1 circuits in Europe and flyaway venues with the addition of Baku and the return of Sepang – two prestigious tracks," said Bruno Michel, GP2 CEO.
"Working on this season’s events, we paid close attention to costs control in order to help our teams maintain a sustainable economic model. I believe we have reached the perfect balance and our drivers will be able to learn as many F1 tracks as possible in front of the F1 paddock."
2016 GP2 schedule:
1. Spain – 13-15 May
2. Monaco – 26-28 May
3. Azerbaijan – 17-19 June
4. Austria – 1-3 July
5. Great Britain – 8-10 July
6. Hungary – 22-24 July
7. Germany – 29-31 July
8. Belgium – 26-28 August
9. Italy – 2-4 September
10. Malaysia – 31 September – 2 October
11. Abu Dhabi – 25-27 November
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