On Wednesday Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, released an amended calendar for the 2009 season. The revised schedule for the 17-race championship sees the Chinese Grand Prix move from its traditional October slot to an April date, the Shanghai race now taking place a week before Bahrain.

The FIA also revealed later start times for the opening two rounds, with the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix both getting underway at 1700 hours local time. Near the end of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix will also commence at the later time of 1500 hours.

The season finale, meanwhile, will still take place in Abu Dhabi, but the race will be held two weeks earlier than previously announced, on November 1.

2009 FIA Formula One World Championship
29 March - Australia
05 April - Malaysia
19 April - China
26 April - Bahrain
10 May - Spain
24 May - Monaco
07 June - Turkey
21 June - Great Britain
12 July - Germany
26 July - Hungary
23 August - Europe (Valencia)
30 August - Belgium
13 September - Italy
27 September - Singapore
04 October - Japan
18 October - Brazil
01 November - Abu Dhabi

• Results
• Drivers
• Teams