The GP3 series has confirmed its schedule for the 2016 season, with Russia and Bahrain being replaced by rounds in Germany and Malaysia.
2016 will feature nine rounds for the GP3 series, which is a support category for F1. Like its sister series GP2, Russia and Bahrain no longer feature on the calendar.
Germany and the Hockenheimring return to GP3 after a year away, while the feeder championship will debut in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit.
Three further pre-season tests take place before the season opener, with the first shakedown of the new GP3/16 car having already been completed in France. Estoril, Valencia and Barcelona will all host tests.
The GP3 season will kick off in May at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, before an in-season test at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. A race weekend at the track will follow before rounds in Great Britain, Hungary and Germany.
After a break, GP3 will return in Belgium and Italy, before its first trip to Malaysia and the finale at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi at the end of November.
"The fact that we will run alongside nine Formula One events this season guarantees great exposure for our young and talented drivers," said GP3 CEO Bruno Michel.
"This will give them the best opportunity to showcase their potential on the same tracks, using Pirelli tyres, in front of the F1 fraternity.
"We welcome the addition of Sepang to the GP3 calendar which will provide yet another intriguing challenge. It promises to be another very exciting year, especially with the introduction of the third generation GP3 car."
2016 GP3 schedule
1. Spain – 13-15 May
2. Austria – 1-3 July
3. Great Britain – 8-10 July
4. Hungary – 22-24 July
5. Germany – 29-31 July
6. Belgium – 26-29 August
7. Italy – 2-4 September
8. Malaysia – 30 September – 2 October
9. Abu Dhabi – 27-29 November
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