The Chinese and Bahrain Grands Prix will likely switch places on the 2018 calendar, Formula 1 commercial chief Sean Bratches has said.
In June the WMSC confirmed a 21-race schedule with Australia opening the season, followed by China and then Bahrain as back-to-back events, however China, along with Singapore, were both listed as provisional.
With Singapore confirming a new four-year extension to its current deal, its position on the calendar is secure.
However China remains provisional, whilst race promoters are keen to have the date of the race changed in order to avoid a clash with a national holiday.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-120x86.webp)
The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, runs from April 5-7, the same week as the Chinese GP and promoters are eager to avoid a clash which could hurt spectator numbers.
Bratches says he is "incredibly optimistic" a new deal can be done, which would include the requested date change.
"We're trying to take into account global events, local events, religious holidays and things to ensure that we're maximising the opportunity for fans to attend the Grands Prix," he told Reuters.
"We're talking to both of them [China and Bahrain] to that end and if we can reach a mutually agreed upon solution, which appears to be on track to happen, you'll probably see that.
"We're incredibly optimistic on bringing that to fruition."
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-350x250.webp)
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