The Formula 2 calendar has been revised with an official announcement that two Formula 1 race weekends will take the place of the cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
F1’s premier feeder series was due to be two races short after the Middle East rounds, originally scheduled for this weekend and the next respectively, were scrapped amid the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Gulf region.
This meant that the opening round in Australia would be the last one before arriving in Europe in June at the Monaco Grand Prix.
But the FIA has confirmed that the races will now take place at the next F1 weekend in Miami [1-3 May] and the following race in Montreal [May 22-24].
In a statement, the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “Following the necessary changes to the calendar at the start of the season, the addition of these new rounds ensures the FIA Formula 2 Championship remains strong and balanced, and able to deliver for our teams, drivers and fans.
“Bringing the championship to North America via Miami and Montreal for the first time marks an important step in its continued global growth, strengthening the pathway alongside Formula One and connecting with new audiences.
“I thank all those who worked tirelessly to make these rounds possible.
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the ongoing events in the Middle East and we continue to hope for a swift return to stability. “We look forward to racing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia very soon.”
F2’s CEO, Bruno Michel added those sentiments, adding his thanks to F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali and the FIA for promoting the idea of the two races’ replacements, adding: “It was not an easy thing to do, but bringing F2 to North America for the first time is really fantastic.
“It’s something we have been wanting to do for a long time, and it enables us to ensure we’re back racing as quickly as possible.
“It will be a great new challenge for our teams and our drivers, who have all welcomed the news with enthusiasm.
“I am certain that the quality of racing will bring a lot of excitement to the fans and to everyone attending both Grands Prix.”
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